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

Her students were primarily Parisian royalty (Igor’s half-sister, French actor Odile Versois, married Count François Reynier Ambroise Henri Pozzo di Borgo), with their lessons inside the duchess’ palace. — Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Multiple charities cut ties with Ferguson in 2025 In September 2025, several charities cut ties with the former duchess following reports of her emails with Epstein. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 June 2026

She was born on August 3, 1986, in Monaco, and got her name from her duchess great-grandmother, Princess Charlotte, Duchess of Valentinois. — Staff Author, InStyle, 23 June 2026

While the duchess opted to personalize her version with cobalt blue letters on a navy body, shoppers can choose from three additional sizes and 14 additional colors — plus up to three letters — to craft their ideal bag. — Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 11 June 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