scepter

American  

[sep-ter] / ˈsɛp tər /

especially British, sceptre

noun

• scepters
  plural

1. a rod or wand borne in the hand as an emblem of regal or imperial power.

2. royal or imperial power or authority; sovereignty.

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verb (used with object)

1. to give a scepter to; invest with authority.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• scepterless
  adjective
• sceptral
  adjective
• unsceptered
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• scepters
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of scepter

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (s)ceptre, from Old French, from Latin scēptrum, from Greek skêptron “staff”; akin to shaft

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Explanation

A scepter is a ceremonial staff, often used by kings. With its jewels and ornamentation, a scepter is a symbol of power. Scepter is related to a Greek verb that means to prop oneself or lean on something. That makes sense, since a scepter is something a ruler can lean on, like any other staff. However, you won't find an ordinary citizen with a scepter. If the President started carrying a scepter, people would probably get worried; it would suggest that he is thinking of himself as a king.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scepter scepters

Accompanied by her sidekick and netherworld patron King Grimsquawk – a crowned raven-baby holding a scepter – Workman conjures up one of the funniest small-screen comedies that isn’t officially on TV.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026

Intriguingly, a large figure stands on the mountain just behind this wall: It is the Sapa Inca—or ruler—identifiable by the sun on his tunic, the scepter in his hand, and his elaborate headdress.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

It holds a serpent scepter evoking the crack of lightning on one side, and a tiny water jug on the other.

From Reuters ● Sep. 29, 2023

When Cromwell died, his funeral effigy looked like “King Oliver I,” with crown, orb and scepter.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2023

As he stood, his robes shimmered, the purple shifting until it was the same deep blue of his jasper scepter.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

Another pair of scepters include tiny life-like hands that Sanroman says belonged to the god of death, Mictlantecuhtli.

From Reuters ● Sep. 29, 2023

The echo of Queen Elizabeth II, his late mother, who also held two scepters at the same moment in her 1953 coronation, was profound.

From New York Times ● May 6, 2023

Here’s what you should know about the crowns, scepters, orbs and more.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2023

He will receive the customary bejeweled scepters, swords, ring and orb.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 28, 2023

My older brother had on a blue jacket embroidered with shapes resembling Buddha scepters for long life.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

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