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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In a statement shared with The Guardian, a spokesperson for Ferguson said the duchess felt compelled to send the email after Epstein allegedly threatened to sue her for defamation over her comments to the Standard. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025 According to the outlet, not everyone found the future duchess charming. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025 The reputation of the duchess’ former husband, Prince Andrew, was destroyed largely by his friendship with Epstein. Reuters, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025 All of them thanked the duchess for her past support. Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 21 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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