scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip(t)-shər 

1

a(1)

Scripture : the books of the Bible

—often plural

(2)

often Scripture : a passage from the Bible

b

: a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative

2

: something written

… the primitive man's awe for any scripture …

—George Santayana

Synonyms of scripture

• Bible
• Book

Examples of scripture in a Sentence

someone who frequently quotes Scripture

Recent Examples on the Web

My main takeaway from Capps’s course was that the New Religious Right was not a spiritual revival but a political machine, one that cloaked its ambitions in scripture and wielded faith for partisan ends. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026

Many of the campaigns have devolved into arguments about the proper interpretation of theology and scripture, as well as the role people of faith and the government should play in shaping society. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Its scripture-heavy programs stress sobriety and transition to self-sufficiency. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Worship centers on prayer, the reading and preaching of scripture, congregational singing, and the celebration of the Eucharist. — Stephanie Triplettall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin scriptura, from Latin, act or product of writing, from scriptus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Kids Definition

scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip-chər 

1

a

capitalized : the books of the Old and New Testaments or of either of them : bible

—often used in plural

b

often capitalized : a portion of writing from the Bible

2

: the sacred writings of a religion

Etymology

Middle English scripture, Scripture "the books of the Bible," from Latin scriptura (same meaning), from earlier scriptura "the act or product of writing," from scriptus, past participle of scribere "to write" — related to scribe