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

The duchess was seen publicly for the first time in London late last week visiting with activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

The last Christmas Harry and Meghan spent with the royal family was in 2018, when the duchess was expecting their first child, Archie. — Blanche Marcel, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026

The dramatic result featured a Chantilly lace bodysuit, corseted overdress, and two long ribbons of duchess satin down the back. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

While gearing up to send the Sussex children to their second school this month, the duchess was added to a Whatsapp group created for parents. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 16 Sep. 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