scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip(t)-shər 

1

a(1)

capitalized : the books of the Bible

—often used in plural

(2)

often capitalized : a passage from the Bible

b

: a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative

2

: something written

the primitive man's awe for any scripture

—George Santayana

Synonyms

• Bible
• Book
• Good Book
• Holy Writ

Examples of scripture in a Sentence

someone who frequently quotes Scripture

Recent Examples on the Web

Defense attorneys still study his speeches like scripture. —Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

The two sacred holidays mentioned in scripture were celebrated earlier this year: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

But his friends, with hearts softened by Linus’ recitation of scripture, come to his aid. —Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024

Francis has frequently used social media to share passages of scripture, reflections on his faith and his opinions of world events since becoming the head of the Catholic Church in 2013. —Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin scriptura, from Latin, act or product of writing, from scriptus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Kids Definition

scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip-chər 

1

a

capitalized : the books of the Old and New Testaments or of either of them : bible

—often used in plural

b

often capitalized : a portion of writing from the Bible

2

: the sacred writings of a religion

Etymology

Middle English scripture, Scripture "the books of the Bible," from Latin scriptura (same meaning), from earlier scriptura "the act or product of writing," from scriptus, past participle of scribere "to write" — related to scribe