scepter

1 of 2

noun

scep·​ter ˈsep-tər How to pronounce scepter (audio)
1
: a staff or baton borne by a sovereign as an emblem of authority
2
: royal or imperial authority : sovereignty

Illustration of scepter

Illustration of scepter
  • scepter 1

scepter

2 of 2

verb

sceptered; sceptering ˈsep-t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce scepter (audio)

transitive verb

: to invest with the scepter in token of royal authority

Examples of scepter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Some researchers previously believed the odd ivory baton was ritualistic and used as a noisemaker, scepter, wand or piece of art. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 The new colossus, wielding a scepter in one hand and an orb in the other, was recently placed in one of the Capitoline Museums’ side gardens. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 Before helping create Vision, it was encased in a scepter that Loki used to control minds in The Avengers. Glenn Greenberg, EW.com, 27 Oct. 2023 The snap showed Grande in costume, wearing her gown and tiara while holding a scepter in her hand. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 1 Feb. 2024 The scepter was originally drawn with a straight line, curving to the left at the end, which is different from other Egyptian scepters, which typically start to become circular near the top, per the authors. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 July 2023 Both the crown and scepter are stored along with other crown jewels at the Tower of London. Justin Ray, Robb Report, 4 May 2023 Camilla could take a cue from that dove of peace on the other scepter and refuse to carry the ivory scepter, as a peacemaking gesture to her stepson. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2023 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
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

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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
-tərd
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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