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duce

noun

du·​ce ˈdü-(ˌ)chā How to pronounce duce (audio)
: leader
—used especially for the leader of the Italian Fascist party

Word History

Etymology

Italian (Il) Duce, literally, the leader, title of Benito Mussolini, from Latin duc-, dux

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of duce was in 1923

Rhymes for duce

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Browse Nearby Words

ducaton
duce
duces tecum
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Cite this Entry

“Duce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duce. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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