crown

A crown is a circular ornamental headpiece worn by monarchs and other rulers as a symbol of sovereignty and authority. In ceremonial contexts, crowns signify legitimacy and the holder’s rank, and they may be used during coronations and state functions. The term also refers to the dental crown, a cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function, and more broadly to the top or peak of an object, such as the crown of a hill.

Etymology and meaning

The word crown derives from Latin corona, via Old French corone, from Greek korone, meaning “garland” or “crown.” Over time it has come to denote both a physical headpiece and symbolic leadership, as well as other topmost surfaces in language and culture.

Construction and design

Historically crowns are crafted from precious metals, commonly gold, and set with jewels. They are typically mounted on a rigid base and may include arches that converge at a monde or other motifs, sometimes topped with a cross or heraldic symbols. Distinctions exist among crowns, diadems, circlets, and coronets, with diadems and circlets usually open at the back and worn by various ranks, while a full crown is usually a closed circle.

Cultural significance and examples

Crown traditions vary by culture. In the United Kingdom, the Crown Jewels include regalia such as St. Edward’s Crown, used in coronations and symbolic state ceremonies. Other notable crowns include the Imperial Crown of Russia and the Holy Crown of Hungary (Crown of Saint Stephen). Crowns feature in heraldry and national iconography as emblems of sovereignty and continuity.

Other uses

In dentistry, a crown is the visible portion of a tooth covered by material such as porcelain or metal to restore function and appearance.