marchioness

noun

mar·​chio·​ness ˈmär-sh(ə-)nəs How to pronounce marchioness (audio)
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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'marchioness.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of marchioness was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near marchioness

Cite this Entry

“Marchioness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marchioness. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

marchioness

noun
mar·​chio·​ness ˈmär-sh(ə-)nəs How to pronounce marchioness (audio)
1
: the wife or widow of a marquess
2
: a woman holding the rank of marquess
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