plural crowns
1
a
: a decorative object that is shaped like a circle and worn on the head of a king or queen for special ceremonies
Note: Crowns are usually made of gold or silver and decorated with jewels.
b
: a similar object worn by someone who is not an actual king or queen
The winner of the beauty pageant walked down the runway wearing her sparkling crown.
c
: a ring of leaves or flowers worn on the head of someone who has won a game, contest, or award
2
or the Crown
: the government of a country that is officially ruled by a king or queen
the blessing of the Spanish crown
allegiance to the crown
She was appointed by the Crown.
3
: the position of power that a king or queen has
When the king died childless, his brother assumed the crown. [=his brother became king]
4
: something (such as a badge or decoration) in the shape of a king's or queen's crown
a jacket with a crown insignia on the pocket
5
: the title or position held by the person who has won a particular competition : championship
—usually singular
If he loses this match, he'll lose the heavyweight boxing crown. [=he will no longer be the champion]
6
: the part of a tooth that can be seen
an artificial crown made of porcelain
7
: the top of the head
—usually singular
She has a big bump on the crown [=top] of her head.
8
: the part of a hat that covers the top of the head
—usually singular
The hat has a rounded crown and a wide brim.
9
: the highest part of something (such as a tree or mountain)
From the tower, we could see the crowns of the trees below.
10
a
: a unit of money used in several European countries
Norwegian crowns
b
: an old British coin worth five shillings
crowns; crowned; crowning
1
: to put a crown on (a new king, queen, etc.) : to give (someone) the power and title of a king or queen
—usually used as (be) crowned
She was crowned queen at the age of 18.
2
: to officially or formally give (someone) the title or position of a champion, winner, etc.
The U.S. Open will crown a new champion Sunday. [=someone will be proclaimed champion at the U.S. Open championship]
The magazine crowned her the new queen of rock-and-roll music.
3
: to end (something) in a successful and impressive way
She crowned her long and distinguished career by designing the city's beautiful new bridge.
4
literary
: to be on top of (something) : to form the top of (something)
Snow crowns the mountain year-round.
—usually used as (be) crownedThe mountain is crowned with snow all year round.
a hill crowned with yellow daffodils
Her head is crowned by/with thick red hair.
5
: to put an artificial crown on (a tooth)
I broke a tooth and I'll have to have it crowned.
6
informal
: to hit (someone) on the head
He got crowned with a beer bottle.
Cite this Entry
“Crown.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/crown. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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