minister of the crown: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, official, constitutional/legal, political
Quick answer
What does “minister of the crown” mean?
A government minister appointed by and serving the monarch, representing the sovereign's authority.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A government minister appointed by and serving the monarch, representing the sovereign's authority; the constitutional term for any member of the government in countries with a Westminster system (e.g., UK, Canada, Australia).
Specifically refers to a member of the executive branch who holds political office under the Crown's authority, is typically a member of parliament, and is responsible for a department of state or specific area of government policy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This term is central to UK, Canadian, Australian, and other Commonwealth constitutions. The US has no equivalent term or concept, as its executive authority derives from the elected president, not a monarch. American speakers would use "cabinet secretary" or "cabinet member" for a roughly equivalent role.
Connotations
In British/Commonwealth contexts, it connotes constitutional legitimacy, tradition, and the formal structure of government. In an American context, it would be an unfamiliar foreign political term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK/Commonwealth official documents, political journalism, and constitutional discourse. Extremely low to zero frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “minister of the crown” in a Sentence
[The/Another] minister of the crown [verb e.g., is appointed/resigned/advised][Subject] was sworn in as a minister of the crown.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “minister of the crown” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Prime Minister will minister the department's affairs.
American English
- She ministered to the needs of her constituents.
adverb
British English
- He acted ministerially in signing the order.
American English
- The decision was made ministerially, not personally.
adjective
British English
- The ministerial car waited outside.
- He has strong ministerial ambitions.
American English
- She holds a ministerial role in the church.
- The report had ministerial approval.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in discussions of government regulation or contracts with the Crown.
Academic
Common in political science, constitutional law, and history papers discussing Westminster-style governance.
Everyday
Very rare. Would only appear in news reports about specific constitutional procedures or scandals.
Technical
Core term in constitutional texts, official reports (e.g., "Ministers of the Crown Act"), and parliamentary procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “minister of the crown”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “minister of the crown”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minister of the crown”
- Using it to refer to any politician (it's only for those in the governing executive).
- Capitalizing it incorrectly (usually not capitalized unless in a formal title).
- Using it in a non-monarchical context (e.g., for the US).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Prime Minister is the senior minister of the crown, appointed by the monarch to form a government.
In a Westminster system context, they are often used interchangeably. However, 'minister of the crown' is the precise constitutional term, emphasizing the legal source of their authority. A 'minister' could, in other contexts, refer to a religious figure.
By convention, yes, most are MPs or peers. However, it is possible to appoint someone from outside Parliament, but they are usually quickly made a peer or given a seat.
Yes, upon resignation, dismissal by the Prime Minister, or when the government loses an election and a new administration is formed.
A government minister appointed by and serving the monarch, representing the sovereign's authority.
Minister of the crown is usually formal, official, constitutional/legal, political in register.
Minister of the crown: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪnɪstə(r) əv ðə kraʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪnɪstər əv ðə kraʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To kiss hands (the ceremony of appointment)”
- “To take the King's/Queen's shilling (archaic, for entering service)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the CROWN physically placing a MINISTERial hat on someone's head, symbolizing the transfer of royal authority to govern.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT IS A HIERARCHY (with the Crown at the apex); AUTHORITY IS DELEGATED FROM ABOVE.
Practice
Quiz
In which country would the term 'minister of the crown' be most commonly used and understood?