duchess

noun

duch·​ess ˈdə-chəs 

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

Another image shows the duchess as a young girl sitting crossed legged on the bed, her hair styled into braids. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital the attention surrounding Markle's appearance, whether positive or negative, could ultimately benefit both the duchess and the cooking competition. — Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

One of the judges showed Meghan around the kitchen, including the pantry, where the duchess spotted edible flowers. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 22 July 2026

Griffiths mentioned reports that the duchess really wanted to visit the Althorp estate near Birmingham, the ancestral home of the late Princess Diana where she also is buried. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing duchess

• grand duchess

Rhymes for duchess

• duchesse
• archduchess

Kids Definition

duchess

noun

duch·​ess ˈdəch-əs 

1

: the wife or widow of a duke

2

: a woman holding the rank of duke in her own right