scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip(t)-shər 

1

a(1)

capitalized : the books of the Bible

—often used in plural

(2)

often capitalized : a passage from the Bible

b

: a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative

2

: something written

the primitive man's awe for any scripture

—George Santayana

Synonyms

• Bible
• Book
• Good Book
• Holy Writ

Examples of scripture in a Sentence

someone who frequently quotes Scripture

Recent Examples on the Web

My foundation starts with the creation account in Genesis and finds threads throughout Jewish and Christian scripture. —Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Aug. 2024

Drinking Beer in Mesopotamia (Aeon) by Tate Paulette In ancient Mesopotamia, beer brewing was intertwined with everything from religious scripture to administrative records. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 29 Oct. 2024

Wooden chairs stood in perfect rows, framing a sacred chest where the Hebrew scriptures are carefully stored. —Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024

Robinson discourages any bullet-point summary of either scripture or her book. —Nicholas Frankovich, National Review, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin scriptura, from Latin, act or product of writing, from scriptus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Kids Definition

scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip-chər 

1

a

capitalized : the books of the Old and New Testaments or of either of them : bible

—often used in plural

b

often capitalized : a portion of writing from the Bible

2

: the sacred writings of a religion

Etymology

Middle English scripture, Scripture "the books of the Bible," from Latin scriptura (same meaning), from earlier scriptura "the act or product of writing," from scriptus, past participle of scribere "to write" — related to scribe