throne

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noun \ ˈthrōn \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of throne

1 a :the chair of state of a sovereign or high dignitary (such as a bishop)

b :the seat of a deity

2 :royal power and dignity :sovereignty

3 thrones plural :an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy

See throne defined for English-language learners

See throne defined for kids

Examples of throne in a Sentence

The king sat on his throne.
He is next in line for the throne.
the heir to the throne

Recent Examples of throne from the Web

Here's a quick look: TEAM TO BEAT Florida State assumes the throne as the top team in the league after Clemson's two-year reign.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "Scouting the ACC: FSU, Clemson lead the pack once again, but U of L in hot pursuit," 16 Aug. 2017
The outline also mentioned a power-hungry and villainous Lannister killing everyone in their way in order to take the throne.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Game of Thrones: The Explosive New Conflict Hiding in George R.R. Martin’s Original Outline," 8 Aug. 2017
The globe-trotting mix includes a pair of 19th-century Korean thrones, an African marionette, a Biedermeier armchair, and a set of Gio Ponti chairs.

— ian phillips, ELLE Decor, "HOUSE TOUR: This Highly-Curated French Duplex Apartment Is Like An Interactive Art Museum," 1 Aug. 2017
Game of Thrones fans packed San Diego Comic-Con Friday afternoon for a panel featuring many of the show's favorite stars.

— megan friedman, Harper's BAZAAR, "6 Things We Learned From the Game of Thrones Panel at Comic-Con," 21 July 2017
After the duke abdicated the throne of England to marry Wallis Simpson, the couple left England.

— madeleine luckel, Vogue, "11 Things You Didn’t Know About the Ritz Paris," 20 July 2017
The country's 31-year-old heir to the throne, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has pushed for greater openings for entertainment in part to appease the youth, who are active on social media and can bypass government censors online.

— Bloomberg.com, "Saudi Woman in Miniskirt Video Arrested After Public Outcry," 18 July 2017
Seven great houses rule seven regions, which are united under the rule of a single king who sits on an iron throne in a capital called King’s Landing.

— david french, National Review, "A Game for Our Time," 16 July 2017
The newest heir to the British throne arrived today at 4:24 p.m. (London time), weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces.

— caroline mckenzie, Southern Living, "Royal Baby Arrives: Southern Gifts Fit for a Prince," 11 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'throne.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of throne

Middle English trone, throne, from Anglo-French trone, from Latin thronus, from Greek thronos — more at firm

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

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Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

throne

verb

Definition of throne

throned; throning

transitive verb

1 :to seat on a throne

2 :to invest with kingly rank or power

intransitive verb

1 :to sit on a throne

2 :to hold kingly power

First Known Use of throne

14th century

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

THRONE Defined for English Language Learners

throne

play

noun

Definition of throne for English Language Learners

: the special chair for a king, queen, or other powerful person
the throne : the position of king or queen

THRONE Defined for Kids

throne

play

noun \ ˈthrōn \

Definition of throne for Students

1 :the chair used by a monarch or bishop for ceremonies

2 :the position of king or queen He is heir to the throne.

Learn More about throne

See words that rhyme with throne Spanish Central: Translation of throne Nglish: Translation of throne for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of throne for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about throne

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THRONE Defined for English Language Learners

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