tiara
Americannoun
-
a jeweled, ornamental coronet worn by women.
-
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.
-
the position, authority, and dignity of the pope.
-
a high headdress, or turban, worn by the ancient Persians and others.
noun
-
a woman's semicircular jewelled headdress for formal occasions
-
a high headdress worn by Persian kings in ancient times
-
RC Church
-
a headdress worn by the pope, consisting of a beehive-shaped diadem surrounded by three coronets
-
the office or rank of pope
-
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of tiara
1545–55; < Latin: headdress < Greek tiā́ra kind of turban
Explanation
A very simple crown, sort of a fancy headband ornamented with jewels, is called a tiara. Your little sister might wear a tiara on her birthday — or just for fun. The words tiara and diadem are used interchangeably for decorative crowns that have historically been worn by high-status people. The word tiara comes from a Persian root, and was originally used specifically to mean "headdress of Persian kings." Today you're most likely to spot tiaras gracing the heads of cartoon princesses like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Vocabulary lists containing tiara
Put a Lid On It: Hats, Hoods, and Other Headgear
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Finishing Touches: Words for Accessories
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Taking Flight
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Depending on the day’s agenda, Tiara may be at the downtown library or posted in Santee Alley.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2025
The charges against Deonta Jermaine Johnson, 27, and Shatia Tiara Welch, 24, of Lafayette were unsealed Tuesday following their arrests the day before in LaPorte, news outlets reported.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2023
He answered questions around whether Mr Spacey had ever attended the White Tie and Tiara Ball that the musician held every year at his home.
From BBC • Jul. 17, 2023
In May 2022, Tiara Young Hudson, a long-serving Black public defender, won the Democratic primary for a judgeship in Jefferson County, Alabama.
From Salon • May 17, 2023
Tiara hopped a little from foot to foot.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
