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

Along with her emotional tribute, the duchess shared a series of snaps of Steinem, including a framed photo of the trailblazing activist sharing a moment with Meghan and Harry's oldest child, Prince Archie, 7. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Netflix publicists are preparing themselves for the fact that the upcoming junket, press conference and media line, all scheduled for next week, will probably be dominated by the duchess. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

The duchess and Harry have two children, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

The duchess styled her platinum blonde lob in an airy low updo with a deep side part, showing off a pair of classic gold hoop earrings. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 19 Aug. 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