scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip(t)-shər 

1

a(1)

Scripture : the books of the Bible

—often 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 Sikh Parade, first held in 1980, is set to begin Sunday morning with a procession led by a float carrying the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, followed by thousands of devotees, according to the event’s website. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Crowley said Aiwass dictated to him the Book of the Law, which became the scripture for Crowley's new spiritual philosophy of Thelema. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

For generations, Israeli law has given leave to Haredi men to study scripture instead of military service, which is mandatory for other 18-year-olds. — Matt Bradley, NBC news, 26 Oct. 2026

Reverend Jones was one of the towering figures of the Black church in New York—a prophetic voice, a man of scripture and struggle. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 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