tiara

[tee-ar-uh, -ahr-uh, -air-uh]

noun

1. a jeweled, ornamental coronet worn by women.

2. Roman Catholic Church.,  a head-piece consisting of three coronets on top of which is an orb and a cross, worn by the pope, or carried before him during certain nonliturgical functions.

3. the position, authority, and dignity of the pope.

4. a high headdress, or turban, worn by the ancient Persians and others.

tiara

/ tɪˈɑːrə /

noun

1. a woman's semicircular jewelled headdress for formal occasions

2. a high headdress worn by Persian kings in ancient times

3. RC Church

   1. a headdress worn by the pope, consisting of a beehive-shaped diadem surrounded by three coronets

   2. the office or rank of pope

Other Word Forms

• tiaraed adjective
• tiaralike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiara¹

1545–55; < Latin: headdress < Greek tiā́ra kind of turban

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiara¹

C16: via Latin from Greek, of Oriental origin

Example Sentences

The winning design for the memorial, chosen from a shortlist of five concepts, will feature a bridge with a balustrade made of glass, inspired by the shape of the late queen's wedding tiara.

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Her sister made her outfit, and she made the tiara, Lauren explained.

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Exquisite gowns and tiaras shine in the electric “display of illumination” – Bertha’s fancy description for strings of garden lights – brightening the sumptuous garden.

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Another key part of the winning entry is a translucent bridge inspired by the shape of the late Queen's wedding tiara.

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Despite anticipation that the tiara would surpass its pre-sale estimate, the final result took experts by surprise.

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Related Words

• headband 
• headdress