sceptre
Also spelled scepter (US spelling)
Sceptre (noun) means a decorated ceremonial staff carried by a ruling monarch as a symbol of royal power. Example: “The queen carried the sceptre during the coronation ceremony.”
How to use sceptre
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA ceremonial rod that symbolizes a monarch's authority.
This is the British spelling; American English uses "scepter".
Word forms
sceptred past tense, sceptres plural, sceptres singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The queen carried the _____ during the coronation ceremony.
Etymology
From Old French sceptre, from Latin scēptrum, from Greek skēptron ("staff, baton"), from a root meaning "to lean on a staff".
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “sceptre” mean?
The word “sceptre” means a decorated ceremonial staff carried by a ruling monarch as a symbol of royal power. In plain terms, a ceremonial rod that symbolizes a monarch's authority.
How do you pronounce “sceptre”?
“Sceptre” is pronounced SEHP-tuh (/ˈsɛptɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sceptre” in a sentence?
Here is “sceptre” used in a sentence: “The queen carried the sceptre during the coronation ceremony.”
What part of speech is “sceptre”?
“Sceptre” is a noun.
Where does the word “sceptre” come from?
The word “sceptre” comes from Latin. From Old French sceptre, from Latin scēptrum, from Greek skēptron ("staff, baton"), from a root meaning "to lean on a staff".