tiara

[tee-ar-uh, -ahr-uh, -air-uh]

noun

1. a jeweled, ornamental coronet worn by women.

2. Roman Catholic Church.,  a head-piece consisting of three coronets on top of which is an orb and a cross, worn by the pope, or carried before him during certain nonliturgical functions.

3. the position, authority, and dignity of the pope.

4. a high headdress, or turban, worn by the ancient Persians and others.

tiara

/ tɪˈɑːrə /

noun

1. a woman's semicircular jewelled headdress for formal occasions

2. a high headdress worn by Persian kings in ancient times

3. RC Church

   1. a headdress worn by the pope, consisting of a beehive-shaped diadem surrounded by three coronets

   2. the office or rank of pope

Other Word Forms

• tiaraed adjective
• tiaralike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiara¹

1545–55; < Latin: headdress < Greek tiā́ra kind of turban

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiara¹

C16: via Latin from Greek, of Oriental origin

Example Sentences

There were fancy dresses made of silk and velvet and chiffon, men’s breeches and brocade vests, miles of taffeta and endless lengths of ribbon, and countless boxes of tiaras and leather slippers.

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The loot included a diamond and emerald necklace Emperor Napoleon gave to his wife, a tiara worn by Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, and several pieces previously owned by Queen Marie-Amelie.

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The loot includes a diamond and emerald necklace Emperor Napoleon gave to his wife, a tiara worn by Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, and several pieces previously owned by Queen Marie-Amelie.

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Empress Eugenie's tiara, which was stolen, has rare natural pearls which have a very large value, experts say.

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The winning design for the memorial, chosen from a shortlist of five concepts, will feature a bridge with a balustrade made of glass, inspired by the shape of the late queen's wedding tiara.

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Related Words

• headband 
• headdress