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

The land was purchased by her parents, an Italian duke and duchess, in the late 1970s. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2025

Meghan Markle's business could learn from pop icon Kylie Minogue as the duchess prepares to debut her second wine next week, a brand and culture expert told Newsweek. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025

Gladys is facing her new life as a duchess (a duchess!), Larry is becoming his father, George is on the brink of ruin, and Bertha is facing the possible destruction of all her hopes and dreams. —Alice Burton, Vulture, 21 July 2025

For her pregnancy with Lilibet in 2021, the duchess was living in California and kept her pregnancy mostly private. —Janine Henni, People.com, 27 May 2025

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