regal

¹

[ree-guhl]

adjective

1. of or relating to a king; royal.

   the regal power.

2. befitting or resembling a king.

3. stately; splendid.

   Antonyms: base

regal

²

[ree-guhl]

noun

1. a portable reed organ of the 16th and 17th centuries.

regal

¹

/ ˈriːɡəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or befitting a king or queen; royal

regal

²

/ ˈriːɡəl /

noun

1. (sometimes plural) a portable organ equipped only with small reed pipes, popular from the 15th century and recently revived for modern performance

Other Word Forms

• regally adverb
• regalness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of regal¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin rēgālis royal

Origin of regal²

First recorded in 1540–50; Middle French regale, further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of regal¹

C14: from Latin rēgālis from rēx king

Origin of regal²

C16: from French régale ; of obscure origin

Synonym Study

See kingly.

Example Sentences

The effect is somewhat regal; I imagine this was intentional.

From Los Angeles Times

In Tang Dynasty China he sits isolated in regal splendor, like an emperor carved in timeless white stone atop an elegantly draped cushion.

From Los Angeles Times

The death of Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson is an immeasurable loss for music and for California, both the place and the dream of it that Wilson conjured with his regal and tender compositions.

From Los Angeles Times

Iga Swiatek's recent dominance at the French Open - and the tournaments leading up to it - has led to a regal nickname: the Queen of Clay.

From BBC

The Disneyland Resort’s new “World of Color” show begins with some regal nostalgia.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does regal mean?

Regal is of or relating to royalty, as in Because Elizabeth is the queen, she has regal powers that no one else has.Regal also describes something thought to be fitting for or resembling a king or queen. A regal stance involves standing up straight, with your arms behind your back and your head held high.Finally, regal can describe something stately and splendid. A regal coat would be one so fancy that only someone who was royalty would normally wear it.Example: The regal ball is held in the palace every year and the whole royal family and all their advisors attend.