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.
See Examples For:
But his swift "coronation" as Labour leader has raised questions on how he will achieve his aims.
From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026
No other candidates stood in the contest to replace Starmer so Burnham’s selection amounted to a coronation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
King Misuzulu's coronation came after a year-long family feud, with some royals arguing that he was not the rightful heir and that his father's will had been forged.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
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
Finally convinced, even though reluctantly, she consented to the coronation.
From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Also known as Cambodia's royal ballet, classical dance performances were originally mounted for court occasions such as coronations or marriages.
From Barron's ● Dec. 31, 2025
His “Credo” for chorus and orchestra, which capped the program proper on Thursday, recalls both Handel’s “Zadok the Priest,” the anthem traditionally associated with British coronations, and edgy mid-20th-century European modernism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2025
The UK Parliament prepared a detailed briefing on the history and protocol of coronations and it's quite fascinating.
From Salon ● Dec. 16, 2024
There are no set duties in the honorary role, but the Master will often compose pieces for special royal occasions such as coronations and royal weddings.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2024
Spectacular elements were not lacking: fireworks, ascents and descents of gods, armies, coronations, and battles delighted the eye.
From Tragedy by Thorndike, Ashley H.
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.
