tiara

American  

[tee-ar-uh, -ahr-uh, -air-uh] / tiˈær ə, -ˈɑr ə, -ˈɛər ə /

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.

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tiara British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• tiaraed adjective
• tiaralike adjective

Etymology

Origin of tiara

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

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, kudos to the costume team for a different outfit that Grace wears in the second half of the film that’s an absolute jaw-dropper of goth couture with black netting and a tiara.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Roan’s fiery hair is piled in a foot-high bouffant above a rhinestone tiara, her face layered in kabuki-like powder.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

They also grabbed the diamond-studded crown of Empress Eugenie, a tiara punctuated with sapphires and several other pieces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

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.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2025

The tiara, dainty and petite with several stones missing, is delicate in the palm of my hand.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles

Related Words

• headband
• headdress