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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The duke and duchess have previously taken legal action, filing multiple lawsuits against the likes of Associated Newspapers. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 18 May 2023 And a gospel choir will perform, featured at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, the duke and duchess of Sussex. William Booth, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2023 Prior to becoming a royal, the future duchess graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and pursued a career in acting. Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2022 The duchess finished the look with matching pointed-toe Aquazzura heels. Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 5 Sep. 2022 Steinem also credited Meghan for their friendship, sharing that the duchess reached out to her following her move to California in 2020. Janine Henni, PEOPLE.com, 19 July 2022 The duchess wore an Alessandra Rich polka-dot dress for her appearance on day four of Royal Ascot, the famous horse race, on Friday, June 17. Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 17 June 2022 The fashion-forward duchess added a belt—also by the New York label—to her glamorous polo-match look and styled it with chic pair of black pumps by Aquazzura, a wide-brimmed black hat, and oversized Valentino sunglasses. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 23 May 2022 From what Scobie has heard from his sources, friends of Meghan's, the duchess isn't just staying behind for Archie in reality. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 4 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'duchess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near duchess

Cite this Entry

“Duchess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duchess. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

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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