ENGLISH
REFERENCE

throne

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈθɹoʊn// UK //θɹˈəʊn// throne Archaic Humorous

n. the special chair where a king or queen sits during ceremonies. It is also a funny way to talk about a toilet.

n. the ceremonial chair of a monarch, bishop, or similar high-ranking official. Frequently used metonymically to refer to the office of the sovereign or humorously to refer to a toilet.


SIMPLE

The king sat on his golden throne during the ceremony.

CONTEXTUAL

After the long flight, he spent quite a bit of time on his porcelain throne.

COMPLEX

The museum displayed a replica of the medieval throne, carved from solid oak and decorated with intricate gold leaf to symbolise the absolute power of the ruling dynasty.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English trone, from Old French trone, from Latin thronus, from Ancient Greek θρόνος (thrónos, “chair, throne”). Superseded earlier seld (“seat, throne”).

Usage

Often used with the definite article when referring to the position of power ('the throne').

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference