prince

noun

ˈprin(t)s 

1

a

: monarch, king

b

: the ruler of a principality or state

2

: a male member of a royal family

especially : a son of the sovereign

3

: a nobleman of varying rank and status

4

: one likened to a prince

especially : a man of high rank or of high standing in his class or profession

princeship

ˈprin(t)s-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms of prince

• tycoon
• magnate
• king
• lord
• monarch
• baron
• lion
• czar

Examples of prince in a Sentence

a neighborhood in which the city's merchant princes built palaces that shamelessly celebrated their wealth

Recent Examples on the Web

In Harry’s bombshell memoir Spare, the prince recalled his older brother telling him that his relationship with Meghan was moving too quickly. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 3 Nov. 2026

That includes a 19th-century painting of Qajar princes in the lobby to works from Malaysian artists scattered throughout the property—as well as a striking clock looming over the hotel’s Peacock Alley social hub. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2026

Even though the modern orchestra originated three centuries ago as a plaything of princes, there has always been an implicit connection — and tension — between orchestras and democracy. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Lakshmana appears as a prince named Lakkhana, who lacks the martial abilities of Valmiki’s Lakshmana. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin princip-, princeps leader, initiator, from primus first + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing prince

• crown prince
• prince consort
• prince's feather

Rhymes for prince

• mince
• quince
• rinse
• since
• wince
• convince
• evince

Kids Definition

prince

noun

ˈprin(t)s 

1

: monarch sense 1

2

: a son or grandson of a monarch : a male member of a royal family

3

: a nobleman of very high rank

4

: a person of high standing in his class or profession

Etymology

Middle English prince "ruler, king," from early French prince (same meaning), from Latin princip-, princeps "leader, initiator," literally, "one who takes the first part," from primus "first" and capere "to take" — related to prime