Definition

1. Noun:

   • A ceremonial chair of state for a sovereign, bishop, or similar exalted person: A throne is a special, often ornate chair used by a monarch or high-ranking religious leader on formal occasions, symbolizing their authority.
   • The power and authority associated with a monarch or bishop: "Throne" can refer to the position and power of a sovereign or bishop, not just the physical object.
   • (Specialized) A plumbing fixture for defecation and urination: In a specific, informal context, "throne" is a humorous or euphemistic term for a toilet.

2. Verb:

   • To place a monarch on the throne; to enthrone: This means to formally invest someone with sovereign power, to crown them.
   • To sit on a throne as a ruler: This describes the action of occupying the throne in a position of authority.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Ceremonial Chair):

  • The king sat on his golden throne.
  • The bishop's throne is located at the east end of the cathedral.

• Noun (Power and Authority):

  • He ascended the throne after his father's death.
  • She has held the throne for three decades.

• Noun (Plumbing Fixture - Informal):

  • He's been on the throne for twenty minutes with his newspaper.

• Verb (To Enthrone):

  • The council voted to throne the new emperor.
  • She was throned in a magnificent ceremony.

• Verb (To Sit as a Ruler):

  • The young queen throned with great dignity.

Advanced Usage

• "The power behind the throne": A person who exerts great influence over a ruler or leader without holding the formal title.

  • The chief advisor was widely considered the real power behind the throne.

• "To be on the throne": To be the reigning monarch.

  • Who was on the throne when this law was passed?

Variants and Related Words

• Enthrone (verb): To install a monarch or bishop on a throne in a formal ceremony. (e.g., )
• Dethrone (verb): To remove a monarch from power. (e.g., )
• Throneroom (noun): The room in a palace where the throne is kept. (This is a compound word.)

Synonyms

• Noun (for chair/authority): Seat (of power), sovereignty, crown.
• Noun (for toilet - informal): Lavatory, toilet, commode.
• Verb: Enthrone, crown, install.

Related Phrases

• "To take the throne": To assume royal power, often by succession or force.

  • The prince is next in line to take the throne.

• "To lose one's throne": To be deposed or to abdicate.

  • The king lost his throne following the coup.

Related Idioms

• "The throne of grace": (A religious idiom) Refers to God's mercy and willingness to hear prayers.

  • We are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence.

• "To be heir to the throne": To be the legally recognized successor to a monarch.

  • The prince is the heir to the British throne.

Noun

1. the position and power of an exalted person (a sovereign or bishop) who is entitled to sit in a chair of state on ceremonial occasions
2. a plumbing fixture for defecation and urination
3. the chair of state for a monarch, bishop, etc.
   • the king sat on his throne

Verb

1. put a monarch on the throne
   • The Queen was enthroned more than 50 years ago
2. sit on the throne as a ruler