marchioness

noun

mar·​chio·​ness ˈmär-sh(ə-)nəs 

1

: the wife or widow of a marquess

2

: a woman who holds the rank of marquess in her own right

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The wife of a marquis, incidentally, is called a marchioness. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 2020

Her closest friend was the adventurous Nadejda Mountbatten, marchioness of Milford Haven. —Nancy Bilyeau, Town & Country, 30 Sep. 2016

For women, the titles are: duchess, marchioness, countess, viscountess, and baroness. —Lisa Ryan, The Cut, 23 May 2018

The Queen can choose from five titles for a man -- duke, marquess, earl, viscount or baron -- and for a woman -- duchess, marchioness, countess, viscountess and baroness. —Angela Dewan, CNN, 19 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin marchionissa, from marchion-, marchio marquess, from marca

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

marchioness

noun

mar·​chio·​ness ˈmär-sh(ə-)nəs 

1

: the wife or widow of a marquess

2

: a woman holding the rank of marquess