coronation
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of coronation
1350–1400; Middle English coronacio ( u ) n < Anglo-French coronation < Latin coronāt ( us ) crowned ( see 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.
Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged Tuesday to make the transition of power "as easy as possible", as two Labour lawmakers considered whether to challenge frontrunner Andy Burnham amid concern about a coronation.
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
The portrait commemorating his coronation, painted in Ramsay’s studio shortly after his crowning in 1761, hangs in London’s National Portrait Gallery.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026
And for months no other country even considered a challenge, making the United Bid’s selection appear to be more a coronation than a vote.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
She took part in ceremonies for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, as well as King Charles' coronation in 2023 and had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
I also saw my brother, who had come to Elsinore for Claudius's coronation.
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
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.
