noun
sceptre
SEHP-tuh
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.”
noun
1
A decorated ceremonial staff carried by a ruling monarch as a symbol of royal power.
"The queen carried the sceptre during the coronation ceremony."
"A golden sceptre was placed beside the crown in the display case."
How to use sceptre
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA ceremonial rod that symbolizes a monarch's authority.
UK vs US
This is the British spelling; American English uses "scepter".
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like sceptre.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- sceptres
- Third person singular
- sceptres
- Past tense
- sceptred
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
View more →Related words
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".
