Illustration of scepter
- scepter 1
1
: a staff or baton borne by a sovereign as an emblem of authority
2
: royal or imperial authority : sovereignty
Examples of scepter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 1 May 2023
Sovereign’s scepter with dove The Sovereign's Scepter with an enameled dove.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 4 May 2023
The multi-hyphenate was seen wearing a tiara, gown and clutching a sparkly scepter as Glinda, as Bailey — who is set to play love interest Fiyero — wore a full green-and-gold ensemble.
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023
After receiving the crown jewels, the orb and two scepters, Charles will have the St. Edward’s Crown placed on his head by Welby.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 4 May 2023
Queen Camilla's Coronation Jewels Similar to her husband, Camilla will be presented with several symbolic items from the Crown Jewels during the coronation ceremony, including a ring, two scepters and an orb.
—Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2023
Artists reworked several objects depicted alongside the pharaoh, including a crown, scepter and necklace.
—Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2023
Grande was seen wearing a tiara, gown and clutching a sparkly scepter as Glinda.
—Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023
Matt Dunham/Associated Press CORONATION SPOON The Imperial State crown and the sovereign's orb and scepter, is seen during the state funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II in London, Monday, Sept. 19, 2022.
—Danica Kirka, BostonGlobe.com, 6 May 2023
Patrick Smith, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2022
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Noun
With historic scepters, crowns and rings, King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation will feature a dazzling selection of the famous Crown Jewels.
—Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 1 May 2023
Sovereign’s scepter with dove The Sovereign's Scepter with an enameled dove.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 4 May 2023
The multi-hyphenate was seen wearing a tiara, gown and clutching a sparkly scepter as Glinda, as Bailey — who is set to play love interest Fiyero — wore a full green-and-gold ensemble.
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023
After receiving the crown jewels, the orb and two scepters, Charles will have the St. Edward’s Crown placed on his head by Welby.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 4 May 2023
Queen Camilla's Coronation Jewels Similar to her husband, Camilla will be presented with several symbolic items from the Crown Jewels during the coronation ceremony, including a ring, two scepters and an orb.
—Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2023
Artists reworked several objects depicted alongside the pharaoh, including a crown, scepter and necklace.
—Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2023
Grande was seen wearing a tiara, gown and clutching a sparkly scepter as Glinda.
—Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023
Matt Dunham/Associated Press CORONATION SPOON The Imperial State crown and the sovereign's orb and scepter, is seen during the state funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II in London, Monday, Sept. 19, 2022.
—Danica Kirka, BostonGlobe.com, 6 May 2023
Verb
People file past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and scepter, lying in state on the catafalque in Westminster Hall on Sept. 15, 2022, in London.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2022
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scepter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English sceptre, from Anglo-French septre, from Latin sceptrum, from Greek skēptron staff, scepter, from skēptesthai to prop oneself — more at shaft
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1526, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of scepter was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near scepter
Cite this Entry
“Scepter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scepter. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
scepter
noun
scep·ter
ˈsep-tər
1
: a baton carried by a ruler as an emblem of authority
2
: authority of an empire or a ruler : sovereignty
sceptered
adjective
-tərd
More from Merriam-Webster on scepter
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scepter
Nglish: Translation of scepter for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of scepter for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scepter
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