riches

plural noun

rich·​es ˈri-chəz How to pronounce riches (audio)
Synonyms of richesnext
: things that make one rich : wealth

Examples of riches in a Sentence

industrialists who had amassed riches of a magnitude that few had dreamed possible
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.
What its riches will power next may depend on the fate of Sherritt and its joint venture but Cuba could in theory become an important piece of Washington’s strategy for countering Beijing. Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026 This is not just another rags-to-riches story of a Black rapper on the rise. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 22 May 2026 Like so many historical myths, this swashbuckling tale of pirates, court accusations, and gossip, which frames the rags-to-riches emergence of this American family, is rife with historical fiction. Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 Like many rags-to-riches stories, the quintet’s rise to fame seemed fated. India Roby, Architectural Digest, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for riches

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, singular or plural, from richesse wealth, from Anglo-French richesce, from riche rich, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English rīce rich

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riches was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riches.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riches. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

riches

plural noun
rich·​es ˈrich-əz How to pronounce riches (audio)
: things that make one rich : wealth
Etymology

Middle English richesse, originally not a plural but a singular noun meaning "richness"

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