Crown
ˈkraʊn
Definitions
6 meaningsA circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority.
ˈkraʊn
A decorative headdress, often made of precious metals, worn by a monarch.
The crown was stolen from the palace.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really fancy, sparkly hat that shows you're the boss, like the king or queen in a fairy tale. It's called a crown!
👶 For kids: A special hat that a king or queen wears to show they're in charge.
More Examples
She dreamt of wearing a crown and ruling a kingdom.
How It's Used
"The king placed the crown upon his head during the coronation."
"The crown was encrusted with diamonds and rubies."
The symbol of a monarch's power or authority, or the monarchy itself.
ˈkraʊn
A symbol of sovereignty or royal authority.
The crown was challenged by rebel forces.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'the king' or 'the queen' – it means the people in charge of the country.
👶 For kids: It means the king and queen and all their rules.
More Examples
He swore allegiance to the crown.
How It's Used
"She dedicated her life to serving the crown."
"The crown ruled the colonies with an iron fist."
The top part of the human head.
ˈkraʊn
The top part of the head.
The bald spot was visible on the crown of his head.
💡 Simply: It’s the very top of your head, where your hair grows!
👶 For kids: The top of your head!
More Examples
She gently touched the crown of her child's head.
How It's Used
"He felt the sun on the crown of his head."
"He wore a halo above the crown of his head."
A cap placed over a damaged tooth.
ˈkraʊn
A dental cap.
The dentist recommended a crown to fix the cavity.
💡 Simply: It's like a little hat for your tooth to make it strong and pretty again!
👶 For kids: A cover for a tooth.
More Examples
She got a crown after her tooth broke.
How It's Used
"The dentist put a crown on the damaged tooth."
To put a crown on the head of someone, usually during a formal ceremony; to make someone a monarch.
ˈkraʊn
To place a crown on the head.
The victorious athlete was crowned champion.
💡 Simply: To officially make someone a king or queen, like putting the crown on their head.
👶 For kids: To put a crown on someone's head to make them a king or queen.
More Examples
The priest crowned the king during the coronation.
How It's Used
"The new queen was crowned in a grand ceremony."
"She was crowned the winner of the competition."
To achieve something, often as a result of hard work.
ˈkraʊn
To bestow or confer something on someone.
The event was crowned with a spectacular fireworks display.
💡 Simply: To be the very best at something, and to get a reward for it.
👶 For kids: To win something big!
More Examples
The project was crowned a success by the board.
How It's Used
"His efforts were crowned with success."
Idioms & expressions
the Crown
Referring to the reigning monarch or the state.
"The Crown’s interests are paramount."
crown jewels
The valuable regalia used in royal ceremonies, such as the crown itself.
"The crown jewels are kept in the Tower of London."
a crowning achievement
The most significant accomplishment or the highlight of a person's career.
"Winning the Nobel Prize was the crowning achievement of her career."
From Old French corone, from Latin corona, ultimately from Greek korōnē (a curved object, a crow). Originally referring to a wreath or garland, it evolved to signify a royal headdress.
The word 'crown' has a rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations. It's been used in both literal and metaphorical ways across different cultures to represent authority, triumph, and even suffering.
Memory tip
Think of the golden circle that sits atop a king or queen's head, symbolizing their power.
Word Origin
"corona (garland, wreath)"