duchess

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

duchesse

2 of 2

noun (2)

du·​chesse

(ˈ)d(y)ü¦shes

plural -s

1

: a chaise longue with arms that was popular in 18th century France

2

or less commonly duchess : a fine lustrous rayon or silk satin for clothing

3

: a very small cream puff with sweet or savory filling used as dessert or served with cocktails

Examples of duchess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

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

In the black-and-white picture, uploaded on June 1, the duchess decorated her mantle with one of her bestselling candles. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 11 June 2026

Enmeshed in scandal, the former duke and duchess of York have practically vanished from public view – and so have the queen's dinky golden furballs. —Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 June 2026

Earlier in the day, the duchess used a post to wish her son Archie on his seventh birthday. —Alessia Arcolaci, Vanity Fair, 18 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

French, literally, duchess

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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