Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

earlship

noun
earl·ship | \ˈərlˌship, ˈə̄l-, ˈəil-\

Definition of earlship 

: the rank or dignity of an earl

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of earlship

1588, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about earlship

Dictionary Entries near earlship

earlock

Earl of Coventry

earl palatine

earlship

early

Early

early ambulation

Statistics for earlship

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for earlship

The first known use of earlship was in 1588

See more words from the same year

Comments on earlship

What made you want to look up earlship? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

mawkish

exaggeratedly or childishly emotional

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games