What does coronation mean?
A coronation is the formal ceremony by which a monarch is crowned and invested with the symbols of sovereignty, traditionally involving an oath, an anointing with holy oil, and the physical placing of a crown upon the ruler's head. Rooted in medieval European practice and often conducted by senior clergy in a cathedral or abbey, the ritual signifies both religious sanction and public legitimacy. The word derives from Latin corona, meaning 'crown' or 'garland', via Old French coronation. Beyond its literal royal use, coronation occasionally appears figuratively to describe any grand celebration marking someone's rise to a peak position or achievement. It carries connotations of pomp, tradition, continuity, and national identity, and remains closely associated with major state occasions such as the coronations of British monarchs.
The ceremony of crowning a monarch or consort, typically involving an oath, anointing, and the placing of a crown on the head.
"The coronation took place amid great pageantry in Westminster Abbey."
Usually used in reference to European monarchies; also applied more broadly to formal enthronement ceremonies elsewhere.
(Figurative) A triumphant or celebratory culmination marking someone's achievement or rise to prominence.
"The award was a fitting coronation of a distinguished career."
Standard plural form; used when referring to multiple coronation events across time or different monarchies.
"The museum's exhibit traced the history of coronations across Europe."
Coronation chicken was invented in 1953 to feed guests at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation — making one of the world's most famous sandwiches older than the phrase 'rock and roll'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coronation
The word coronation comes from the Latin corona, meaning 'crown', 'wreath', or 'garland'. It passed into English via Old French coronation during the Middle Ages, when it described the ecclesiastical ceremony of crowning a king or emperor. Related words sharing the same root include coronet (a small crown), corolla (the inner ring of petals in a flower), and corollary (something that follows naturally, originally a garland offered as a gift).
Related word forms
How coronation is actually used
Formal register; most commonly used in historical, royal, or ceremonial contexts. The figurative use ('a coronation for her career') is less frequent but well attested.
Easily confused with coronation
Coronation is the crowning ceremony, while 'coronation chicken' is simply a cold curry-flavoured chicken dish named after the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.