scepter

American  

[sep-ter] / ˈsɛp tər /

especially British, sceptre

noun

• scepters
  plural

1. a rod or wand borne in the hand as an emblem of regal or imperial power.

2. royal or imperial power or authority; sovereignty.

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verb (used with object)

1. to give a scepter to; invest with authority.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• scepterless
  adjective
• sceptral
  adjective
• unsceptered
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• scepters
  plural

Etymology

Origin of scepter

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (s)ceptre, from Old French, from Latin scēptrum, from Greek skêptron “staff”; akin to shaft

Explanation

A scepter is a ceremonial staff, often used by kings. With its jewels and ornamentation, a scepter is a symbol of power. Scepter is related to a Greek verb that means to prop oneself or lean on something. That makes sense, since a scepter is something a ruler can lean on, like any other staff. However, you won't find an ordinary citizen with a scepter. If the President started carrying a scepter, people would probably get worried; it would suggest that he is thinking of himself as a king.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scepter scepters

Accompanied by her sidekick and netherworld patron King Grimsquawk – a crowned raven-baby holding a scepter – Workman conjures up one of the funniest small-screen comedies that isn’t officially on TV.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026

Intriguingly, a large figure stands on the mountain just behind this wall: It is the Sapa Inca—or ruler—identifiable by the sun on his tunic, the scepter in his hand, and his elaborate headdress.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

El Rey Theatre projectionist Tori Yorochko hoists a scepter prop that was featured in the 1963 movie “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026

It holds a serpent scepter evoking the crack of lightning on one side, and a tiny water jug on the other.

From Reuters ● Sep. 29, 2023

The orb at the end of Diocletian’s scepter glowed purple.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Another pair of scepters include tiny life-like hands that Sanroman says belonged to the god of death, Mictlantecuhtli.

From Reuters ● Sep. 29, 2023

Also present: an elaborate toy sailing ship, a carousel and sashes and scepters for Miss Universe contestants, each embellished with information about their respective countries.

From New York Times ● May 5, 2023

It has special armrests to support the royal arms that are holding paraphernalia like scepters.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2023

He will receive the customary bejeweled scepters, swords, ring and orb.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 28, 2023

I can’t journey across dragon-infested lands to retrieve scepters that can halt death.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera