duchess

noun

duch·​ess ˈdə-chəs How to pronounce duchess (audio)
1
: the wife or widow of a duke
2
: a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right

Examples of duchess 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.
The Union Jack over Buckingham Palace was lowered to half mast in a sign of respect following the announcement of the duchess’ death, and the traditional framed announcement was placed on the royal residence’s railings. Max Foster, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025 The duchess, who had three children and 10 grandchildren, was also passionate about music. Reuters, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 In its place, consider more stately materials like tulle or duchess satin and crepe de chine. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025 Markle launched a brand called American Riviera Orchard via Instagram on March 14, 2024 with a short video that showed the duchess arranging flowers, baking and standing in a stone walkway wearing a floor-length gown. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for duchess

Word History

Etymology

Middle English duchesse, from Anglo-French, from duc duke

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of duchess was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Duchess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duchess. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

duchess

noun
duch·​ess ˈdəch-əs How to pronounce duchess (audio)
1
: the wife or widow of a duke
2
: a woman holding the rank of duke in her own right

More from Merriam-Webster on duchess

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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