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

Examples of duchess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The new episodes pick up after a time jump following the events of season 1, which saw Nan becoming a duchess (and the most influential woman in England) while Jinny made headlines for the kidnapping of her unborn child. Stacy Lambe, People.com, 18 June 2025 Producer Jane Marie had a different experience collaborating with the duchess. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025 In May, the duchess celebrated her son's birthday with a shot of Archie overlooking a balcony, silhouetted by the sun. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 16 June 2025 The princess accompanied her children during the carriage procession of Trooping the Colour wearing an outfit inspired by Eliza Doolittle, the commoner who pretends to be a duchess, in My Fair Lady. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for duchess

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Duchess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duchess. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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

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