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

Aleys later discovers that a beguine named Katrijn Janssens has been secretly translating Latin scripture into Dutch. —Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Like a typical Catholic Mass, scriptures, psalms and gospels will be read and the Holy Communion will be given. —Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026

The bound, heavy scriptures were placed on the cot and carried off in a procession to its sleeping quarters. —Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026

In one, a student who identified himself as president of the school’s conservative Turning Point USA chapter held a pamphlet about Sharia, which is the moral code laid out in Muslim scriptures. —Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 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