diadem

noun

di·​a·​dem ˈdī-ə-ˌdem 

-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

Synonyms

• chaplet
• coronal
• coronel
• coronet
• crown

Examples of diadem in a Sentence

Miss America's diadem was auctioned off for charity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Theodora also wore Princess Margaret’s tiara, a Cartier diadem gifted to the Crown Princess of Sweden on her wedding day by the Khedive of Egypt in 1920. —Violet Goldstone, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

The diadem was closely associated with Queen Elizabeth, who wore it on the way to her crowning ceremony in 1953 and en route to most State Openings of Parliament. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024

That wasn’t enough bling for Camilla, though: Her Majesty paired the diadem with a sparkling diamond necklace and matching diamond earrings. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 July 2024

Since then, the diadem has been worn by every British queen, reigning or consort: Queen Adelaide, Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and Queen Elizabeth. —Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024

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 *de_h1- Greek édēsa "(I) bound," Sanskrit dāman-, dā́ma "cord, fetter"

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

diadem

noun

di·​a·​dem ˈdī-ə-ˌdem 

-əd-əm

: a headband or crown worn especially as a symbol of royalty