throne
n. · v.-
1 royal seat (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe special, decorated chair that a king, queen, or religious leader sits on during ceremonies.
the ceremonial chair of a monarch, bishop, or other high-ranking dignitary, typically situated on a dais.
ExampleThe king sat on his golden throne to address the visiting leaders.
ExampleThe ornate throne was carved from solid oak and positioned centrally within the hall to emphasise the monarch's absolute authority.
- seat
- chair of state
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2 monarchy or power (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe position or power of being a king or queen.
the office or dignity of a monarch; used metonymically to represent sovereign power or the institution of the monarchy.
ExampleThe young prince was next in line for the throne.
ExampleThe revolution sought to topple the throne and replace the centuries-old monarchy with a representative assembly.
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3 a toilet (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Humorous Informala funny or polite way to talk about a toilet.
a humorous euphemism for a toilet, playing on the idea of sitting in a position of importance.
ExampleHe spent so much time on the throne that we thought he had fallen asleep.
ExampleThe plumber joked that he had spent his entire career fixing people's broken thrones.
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4 drummer's stool (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Musicthe padded stool that a drummer sits on while playing.
a backless, often tripod-based stool designed for a drummer to provide stability and range of motion.
ExampleThe drummer adjusted his throne before the concert started.
ExampleA high-quality drum throne is essential for maintaining proper posture during long recording sessions and high-intensity performances.
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5 to place on a throne (v.) C2 Proficiency Archaic Literaryto put someone on a throne or in a high position of power.
to invest with regal power or to seat someone ceremonially as a monarch.
ExampleThe people throned their new leader with great celebration.
ExampleIn the ancient epic, the gods throned the hero among the stars as a reward for his bravery.
- enthrone
- exalt
- dethrone
From Middle English trone, from Old French trone, from Latin thronus, from Ancient Greek θρόνος (thrónos, “chair, throne”). Superseded earlier seld (“seat, throne”).