duchy

noun

ˈdə-chē 

plural duchies

1

: the territory of a duke or duchess : dukedom

2

: special domain

Examples of duchy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Representatives of the duchy, which hadn’t owned the work since 1918, removed a considerable amount of art from the castle in the closing weeks of World War II. — News Desk, Artforum, 9 Nov. 2026

If Jeopardy asks about a European duchy, the European duchy is going to be Luxembourg. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026

Louise Haigh will take on the role of Chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, First Secretary of State and Cabinet Office Minister. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 July 2026

The duchy is overseen by a board of directors and major decisions must be approved by the Treasury. — ABC News, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English duche, from Anglo-French duché, from duc

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing duchy

• grand duchy

Rhymes for duchy

• touchy

Kids Definition

duchy

noun

ˈdəch-ē 

plural duchies

: the territory of a duke or duchess