regina: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Official
Quick answer
What does “regina” mean?
A queen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A queen; the reigning female monarch.
Used as a title in legal contexts (e.g., Regina v. Smith) to denote the state as prosecutor in a criminal case in a monarchy. Also used in the official title of a city or institution (e.g., Regina, Saskatchewan).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Regina' appears in criminal case citations (R. v. Defendant). In the US, it is not used in legal contexts (as there is no monarch), but is known as the name of a Canadian city and from Latin/phrases.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with the monarchy and the state in law. US: Primarily geographical (Canadian city) or classical/Latin reference.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English due to the legal system. Rare in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “regina” in a Sentence
[Regina] v. [Defendant Name]the case of [Regina]the city of [Regina]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except in very specific company names (e.g., 'Regina Co.').
Academic
Used in historical, legal, or classical studies contexts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used in reference to the Canadian city or in a historical drama.
Technical
Standard term in UK and Commonwealth legal systems for criminal prosecutions in the name of the monarch.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “regina”
- Using 'Regina' as a casual synonym for 'queen' in conversation (sounds stilted).
- Pronouncing it /rɛˈɡiː.nə/ (like the name) in the legal/title context where /rɪˈdʒaɪ.nə/ (UK) or /rɪˈdʒiː.nə/ (US) is standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised word used primarily in legal, official, or historical contexts, or as a place name.
In British English, it is typically /rɪˈdʒaɪ.nə/. In American English, when referring to the legal concept (rarely), it is often /rɪˈdʒiː.nə/.
It stands for 'Regina' (if the monarch is female) or 'Rex' (if the monarch is male). It represents the Crown, i.e., the state as prosecutor.
Yes, 'Regina' is used as a female given name, particularly in some European and American cultures. However, this is distinct from its use as a title.
A queen.
Regina is usually formal, legal, official in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Regina v. [someone] (standard legal case name)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'REGINA' as the 'REGal femINAle' – the royal female.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS THE MONARCH (in legal contexts: 'Regina' represents the governing power bringing a case).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Regina' most commonly used in modern UK English?