regalia

plural noun

re·​ga·​lia ri-ˈgāl-yə 

1

: royal rights or prerogatives

2

a

: the emblems, symbols, or paraphernalia indicative of royalty

b

: decorations or insignia indicative of an office or membership

3

: special dress

especially : finery

Did you know?

Just as regal describes a king or queen—that is, a ruler—regalia originally meant the things, and especially the dress and decoration, that belong exclusively to a monarch. The British monarchy's regalia include the crown jewels (crown, scepter, orb, sword, etc.) that lend luster to royal coronations. Academic regalia—the caps, gowns, and hoods worn by students receiving their degrees—link institutions to their past by preserving the dress worn at universities since their beginnings in the Middle Ages, when long hooded robes were needed for warmth.

Synonyms

• array
• best
• bravery
• caparison
• feather
• finery
• frippery
• full dress
• gaiety
• gayety
• glad rags

Examples of regalia in a Sentence

was impressed with the regalia of the women at the ball

Recent Examples on the Web

The set did not begin with SZA, his chief collaborator for the proceedings, but with an unexpected special guest, Samuel L. Jackson, decked out in starry patriotic regalia. —Jason Lamphier, EW.com, 10 Feb. 2025

Kaushal’s transformation for the role includes elaborate period costumes and royal regalia. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025

Princess Charlene’s husband, Prince Albert II, wore his military regalia for the festivities. —Julia Teti, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024

Sunday's announcement was also made on the pop star's social media accounts, where a teaser video features her in a leather dress and cowgirl regalia. —Dennis Romero, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of regalis

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

regalia

singular or plural noun

re·​ga·​lia ri-ˈgāl-yə 

1

: the emblems and symbols (as the crown) of royalty

2

: the emblem of an office or association

3

: special dress : finery