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Definition of scepter

scepter

/ˈsɛp.tɚ/
(UK: sceptre)
scep · ter

Plural:scepters
•
Adjective:sceptral
•
Past Simple:sceptered
•
Past Participle:sceptered
•
Present Participle:sceptering
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scepter Lexical Profile

scepter Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

American An ornamented staff carried by rulers on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty.

Example

"The newly crowned queen grasped the golden scepter as the choir sang the anthem."


2

American Royal or imperial authority or power.

Example

"The rebellion threatened to pry the scepter from the aging monarch's hands."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scepter

• verb

1

American To invest with a scepter, or with royal authority.

Example

"The archbishop sceptered the new king, officially completing the ancient rite of coronation."

Word Nuance & Usage

"Scepter" is the American English spelling, whereas "sceptre" is standard in British English and other Commonwealth nations.

• Rhymes for scepter

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old French 'sceptre', originating from Latin 'sceptrum', which derives from the Greek 'skēptron' meaning 'staff' or 'stick', from the base 'skēptein' (to prop or lean on).

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scepter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scepter
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