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

The post stitched together photos of Bible scripture, Paul crying, pain relief patches and personal notes scrawled through notebooks. —Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026

Good Friday services at the cathedral will feature scripture, music and the veneration of the cross. —Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

In an interview ahead of Palm Sunday, senior pastor Robert Jeffress reflected on specific scripture that says the whole world will burn someday, but there will be a new heaven and a new earth with Christ. —Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026

The musicians would include references and passages from Bahá'í scripture in their songwriting, as well as discussed their faith with fans after concert performances. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 26 Mar. 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