diadem

[ dahy-uh-dem ]

noun

1. a crown.
2. a cloth headband, sometimes adorned with jewels, formerly worn by monarchs in Asia Minor and other parts of the East.
3. royal dignity or authority.

verb (used with object)

1. to adorn with or as if with a diadem; crown.

diadem

/ ˈdaɪəˌdɛm /

noun

1. a royal crown, esp a light jewelled circlet
2. royal dignity or power

verb

1. tr to adorn or crown with or as with a diadem

Word History and Origins

Origin of diadem¹

1250–1300; Middle English diademe (< Anglo-French ) < Latin diadēma < Greek diádēma fillet, band, equivalent to diadē- (verbid stem of diadeîn to bind round + -ma noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of diadem¹

C13: from Latin diadēma, from Greek: fillet, royal headdress, from diadein to bind around, from dia- + dein to bind

Example Sentences

The greenstone ornaments are typical of the Late Classic period and the mask and diadem are known to be exclusive to Maya royalty.

From Science Magazine

“This is exactly how I felt when we unearthed a sultana’s hidden diadem too...”

From Literature

If you're looking at it and wondering why it seems familiar, it might be because that diadem was seen on stamps from the late Queen's reign.

From BBC

Almost 1 meter in diameter, the vessel entombed a woman in her late 20s with a shining silver diadem on her forehead.

From Science Magazine

His beard was trimmed impeccably, the golden diadem on his head flashing with every movement.

From Literature