ducal

adjective

du·​cal ˈdü-kəl How to pronounce ducal (audio)
 also  ˈdyü-
: of or relating to a duke or dukedom
ducally adverb

Examples of ducal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Explore the castle and grounds, where the ducal Sforzas lived, now home to eight museums. Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 Could Gladys be free of this ducal millstone around her neck? Alice Burton, Vulture, 7 July 2025 Film director Bruce Beresford updated the ducal court of Mantua to present-day Beverly Hills and Venice Beach. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 Guillaume, his father Henri and Prime Minister Luc Frieden are expected to sign a grand ducal decree appointing the prince as Lieutenant-Representative of the Grand Duke. Janine Henni, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024 When Carl and Stéphanie subsequently failed to produce a male heir, one of Countess Hochberg’s sons ascended the grand ducal throne. Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 21 Sep. 2024 The museum now holds three of the five Rubens sketches; the two others sold by the ducal family are still missing, though officials are trying to facilitate their return. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2024 My favorite moment in Dune: Part Two is when Chani (Zendaya) and Gurney (Josh Brolin) are both concerned about Paul (Timothée Chalamet) during his sermon, and then as soon as Paul pulls out his father’s ducal signet ring, Gurney instantly drinks the Kool-Aid. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 May 2024 The character begins as ducal heir on the planet Caladan, training under his father (played by Oscar Isaac), mother (Rebecca Ferguson), mentor (Josh Brolin), swordmaster (Jason Momoa) and teacher (Stephen McKinley Henderson). Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin ducalis of a leader, from Latin duc-, dux leader — more at duke

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ducal was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ducal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ducal. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ducal

adjective
du·​cal ˈd(y)ü-kəl How to pronounce ducal (audio)
: of or relating to a duke or duchy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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