scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip(t)-shər 

1

a(1)

Scripture : the books of the Bible

—often used in 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

Justice is a central theme of the scriptures; nations are judged based on their treatment of the poor. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 24 June 2026

The diary beat out scripture by a hair, although scripture may have been more interesting. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 23 June 2026

And at their pre-World Cup camp north of Atlanta, several players engaged with Young in prayers and scripture readings. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Brubaker and Walker noted that scripture says God calls upon Christians to love everybody. — Laurence Miedema, Mercury News, 16 June 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