throne

1 of 2

noun

ˈthrōn How to pronounce throne (audio)
Synonyms of thronenext
1
a
: the chair of state of a sovereign or high dignitary (such as a bishop)
b
: the seat of a deity
2
: royal power and dignity : sovereignty
3
thrones plural : an order of angels see celestial hierarchy

throne

2 of 2

verb

throned; throning

transitive verb

1
: to seat on a throne
2
: to invest with kingly rank or power

intransitive verb

1
: to sit on a throne
2
: to hold kingly power

Examples of throne in a Sentence

Noun The king sat on his throne. He is next in line for the throne. the heir to the throne
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
George, who is second in line to the British throne, was born two weeks later. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 2 July 2026 He’s seated between my husband and me in a black high chair that looks less like baby gear and more like a throne à la Versailles. — Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
Verb
What are ‘throning,’ ‘Shrekking,’ 'Banksying’? — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026 Just kidding, but really, dad-like pairs have been de-throned by low-profile sneakers that have a low sole and slim exterior. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for throne

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English trone, throne, from Anglo-French trone, from Latin thronus, from Greek thronos — more at firm

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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

Phrases Containing throne

Rhymes for throne

See All Rhymes for throne

Browse Nearby Words

thrombus
throne
throneless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throne. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

throne

1 of 2 noun
ˈthrōn How to pronounce throne (audio)
1
: the chair of state of a monarch or bishop
2
: royal power and dignity

throne

2 of 2 verb
throned; throning
: to seat on a throne : enthrone

More from Merriam-Webster on throne

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for throne

Nglish: Translation of throne for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about throne

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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