crowning: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, ceremonial, figurative.
Quick answer
What does “crowning” mean?
The act of placing a crown on someone's head as a symbol of royal authority.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of placing a crown on someone's head as a symbol of royal authority; figuratively, the culminating or highest point of achievement.
Used to describe the final, best, or most significant event in a series, often seen as an honor or ultimate achievement; can also refer to the top part of something (e.g., a tooth).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Both varieties use the term in royal/ceremonial and figurative contexts.
Connotations
Strong connotations of monarchy, tradition, and peak achievement in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to the active monarchy and associated media coverage.
Grammar
How to Use “crowning” in a Sentence
[be] the crowning [noun] of [something][noun] served as a crowning [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crowning” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Archbishop will crown the monarch in a centuries-old ritual.
- Victory at Wimbledon crowned her magnificent career.
American English
- The ceremony to crown the new king will be televised.
- A stunning goal in the final minute crowned their comeback.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically: 'The merger was the crowning achievement of her tenure.'
Academic
Used in historical/literary analysis: 'The crowning of Charlemagne marked a pivotal shift.'
Everyday
Figurative use for personal achievements: 'Graduating was the crowning moment of my studies.'
Technical
In dentistry: 'the crowning of a tooth'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crowning”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crowning”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crowning”
- Using 'crowning' as a common verb (use 'to crown'). Incorrect: 'They are crowning him tomorrow.' Correct: 'They will crown him tomorrow.' or 'His crowning is tomorrow.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly used both as a noun (the act) and, especially, as an adjective (crowning achievement). The verb form is 'to crown'.
A 'coronation' is the entire formal ceremony of installing a monarch. 'Crowning' refers specifically to the moment the crown is placed on the head, though it can be used synonymously with 'coronation' in a less formal way.
Yes, though less common. It can be used ironically or for negative culminations, e.g., 'The leaked email was the crowning embarrassment for the minister.'
No, while it's a very common idiom for beautiful hair, it can metaphorically refer to the best feature of anything, e.g., 'The cathedral's spire is the city's crowning glory.'
The act of placing a crown on someone's head as a symbol of royal authority.
Crowning is usually formal, literary, ceremonial, figurative. in register.
Crowning: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkraʊnɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkraʊnɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the crowning touch”
- “crowning glory”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CROWN being placed on someone's head at the very END of a long ceremony. 'Crowning' is that final, top honour.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A ROYAL HONOUR (e.g., 'crowning achievement'). COMPLETION IS REACHING THE TOP (e.g., 'crowning moment').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'crowning' LEAST likely to be used?