Phrase guide

papal bull

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A type of document or edict from the Pope.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bull

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a formal proclamation issued by the pope (usually written in antiquated characters and sealed with a leaden bulla)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bull

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: decree, edict, fiat, order, rescript

History

Etymology

From Middle English bulle, from Old French bulle, from Medieval Latin bulla (“a round seal”), from Latin bulla (“bubble”).

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: butlla papal — official document or edict from the Pope
  • Finnish: paavin bulla — official document or edict from the Pope
  • French: bulle papale — official document or edict from the Pope
  • German: päpstliche Bulle — official document or edict from the Pope
  • Polish: bulla — official document or edict from the Pope
  • Polish: bulla papieska — official document or edict from the Pope
  • Romanian: bulă papală — official document or edict from the Pope
  • Tagalog: bula ng Papa — official document or edict from the Pope
  • Vietnamese: tông sắc — official document or edict from the Pope