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

The scripture readings at the Mass focused on the figure of St. Peter and the central passage from John’s Gospel, a text seen as foundational to the pope’s ministry as St. Peter’s successor. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 18 May 2025

Of those crew members, several inscribed their favorite scriptures on the raw wall and floor before stone or stucco was applied. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2025

But Buddhist scriptures also express love and gratitude for mothers, especially the Buddha’s two mother figures. —Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 6 May 2025

White House Announces New Numbers Mayer criticized the selective application of scripture among some Christians. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025

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