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.

---

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

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

Mr. Modi, surrounded by a dozen Hindu priests, carried the scepter down the aisle of the new Parliament, installing it to the right of the speaker’s seat.

From New York Times ● May 28, 2023

Surrounded by a crescent of basketed strawberries, she received her crown with a bowed head from Amity Harbor’s mayor, who wore a red sash from shoulder to waist and carried a decorated scepter.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

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

From Reuters ● Sep. 29, 2023

One by one, symbols of regalia were brought to him — spurs, the sword of offering, the orb, the sovereign’s ring, two scepters.

From New York Times ● May 6, 2023

Even a sovereign has only two hands, so near the end of the ceremony, the monarch has to set the Orb on the altar to hold the two 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