coronation
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- precoronation noun
- recoronation noun
Etymology
Origin of coronation
1350–1400; Middle English coronacio ( u ) n < Anglo-French coronation < Latin coronāt ( us ) crowned ( coronate ) + Middle French -ion- -ion
Explanation
A coronation is the ceremony when a new King (or Queen, let's not be sexist) is officially installed. A coronation is usually quite glitzy and full of pomp. A coronation is the public handing over of title and powers to a new monarch. Other almost identical terms are enthronement and investiture. The term coronation is also sometimes used in a light-hearted, though sometimes sarcastic way, to describe the ascension of famous non-royal people who have achieved a particular level of public status — such as pop stars, politicians or celebrities. Coronation is derived from the Latin word corona, meaning "crown."
Vocabulary lists containing coronation
25 Words from "Baseball and Black History"
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Queen of the Sea
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"The Prince and the Pauper," Vocabulary from the drama
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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.
See the dress the 27-year-old Elizabeth wore at her coronation in 1953.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
It’s worth noting the S&P index only updates its constituents once a year, in late January, so the stock may have to wait a while longer for its official coronation.
From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026
Logic dictates that England's role on Saturday will be to simply bear witness to France's title-winning coronation.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
But amid the coronation for their crosstown rival, Gottlieb was looking for anything that told her this Trojans team could take some punches and also give some back in March.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026
“I want to ask you to witness a coronation ceremony,” I say, ignoring the food.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
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.
