diadem

noun

di·​a·​dem ˈdī-ə-ˌdem How to pronounce diadem (audio)
-dəm
1
a
: crown sense 2
specifically : a royal headband
b
: crown sense 6a(1)
diadems of power
2
: something that adorns like a crown

Examples of diadem in a Sentence

Miss America's diadem was auctioned off for charity.
Recent Examples on the Web Many pieces were made by the jeweler Musy, including diadems, earrings, and bracelets. Elisabetta Caprotti, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2024 The priceless diamond and pearl diadem set with 1,333 diamonds and 169 pearls was created for the coronation of King George IV in 1821 and was worn by the late Queen Elizabeth on the way to own coronation and many official portraits throughout her historic 70-year reign. Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023 The Tiara The origins of the tiara, a bejeweled head ornament, date back to Ancient Greece and Rome where it was called a diadem. Isiah Magsino, Town & Country, 6 May 2023 Queen Camilla follows Queen Adelaide, Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and her late mother-in-law Queen Elizabeth in donning the diadem. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023 Now, however, the rare diamond diadem has been given a new life by the Princess of Wales. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 Queen Camilla Wears Wedding Day Earrings During Royal Tour of Africa with King Charles Queen Camilla paired the diadem with the ultimate recycled outfit: her coronation dress! Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023 Although Queen Elizabeth opted to wear a day dress and hat in recent years, the State Opening of Parliament often saw the late monarch wearing the Imperial State Crown (or a diadem) and her long velvet Robe of State. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2023 The diadem — attributed to the workshop of Marie Etienne Nitot and reputedly worn by Josephine for Napoleon's coronation — was loaned for the evening by Van Cleef and Arpels. Peter Mikelbank, Peoplemag, 21 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diadem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diademe "monarch's crown, crownlike headdress," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin diadēma "ornamental headband, crown," borrowed from Greek diadēmat-, diádēma "headband, band wrapped around the headdress by Persian monarchs," from diadē-, variant stem of diadéō, diadeîn "to bind on either side, bandage" (from dia- dia- + déō, deîn "to bind, tie") + -mat-, -ma, resultative noun suffix; Greek déō, deîn probably going back to a zero-grade form (*dh1-i̯é-?) of the Indo-European verbal base *deh1- "tie, bind," whence also Sanskrit ā́-dhyati "(s/he) binds," Hittite tiya "bind!"; from a full grade *deh1- Greek édēsa "(I) bound," Sanskrit dāman-, dā́ma "cord, fetter"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of diadem was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near diadem

Cite this Entry

“Diadem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diadem. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

diadem

noun
di·​a·​dem ˈdī-ə-ˌdem How to pronounce diadem (audio)
-əd-əm
: a headband or crown worn especially as a symbol of royalty

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