regalia
Americanplural noun
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the ensigns or emblems of royalty, as the crown or scepter.
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the decorations, insignia, or ceremonial clothes of any office or order.
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rich, fancy, or dressy clothing; finery.
guests wearing formal party regalia.
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royal rights or privileges.
plural noun
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the ceremonial emblems or robes of royalty, high office, an order, etc
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any splendid or special clothes; finery
Etymology
Origin of regalia
1530–40; < Medieval Latin rēgālia things pertaining to a king, noun use of neuter plural of Latin rēgālis regal 1
Explanation
Regalia is clothing worn for formal functions by people who will be in the public eye. If you see Miss America at the grocery store, you might not recognize her because she's not wearing her pageant regalia. Regalia looks like regal and in fact, can refer to things owned by members of royalty that convey their official positions. Crowns, sashes, scepters, tiaras? Regalia. The prince's riding boots and the duchess's bath robes? Nope. Technically, regalia is a plural word, from Latin (the singular would be regalis) but it can be used with a singular or plural verb: Here is Queen Elizabeth's regalia. Her regalia are exquisite.
Vocabulary lists containing regalia
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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.
His brother Judd, the chef at Ronnie Grisanti’s in Regalia, has faith in him.
From Washington Times • Aug. 23, 2020
It’s refreshing to see so many California artists represented here, including ceramics by Pawena Thimaporn and Knotwork LA, barstools by Scout Regalia and dishware by Heath Ceramics.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2019
Regalia Regal means “of or by kings”, and regalia means “the insignia of royalty”.
From The Guardian • Jun. 5, 2017
“Royals and Regalia: Inside the Palaces of Nigeria’s Monarchs,” 40 portraits from a new series by the photographer George Osodi.
From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2015
“Ares, if I point you toward Regalia now, can you stay on course?” asked Gregor, giving the bat a little shake.
From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins
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.
