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riches

plural noun

rich·​es ˈri-chəz How to pronounce riches (audio)
: things that make one rich : wealth

Examples of riches in a Sentence

industrialists who had amassed riches of a magnitude that few had dreamed possible
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In this riches-to-rags spin, Eloise and Nanny are forced to relocate from the penthouse while the Plaza undergoes a massive makeover. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Nov. 2025 But when the 2008 financial crisis hits, their rags-to-riches story returns to rags as their empire collapses almost overnight. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025 Giant follows the rise of Hamed and his relationship with Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle, charting his rags-to-riches underdog tale from his humble beginnings in Sheffield to becoming champion of the world. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025 Forbes reports that the rest of his riches lies in $190 million in cash and other investments. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riches

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, singular or plural, from richesse wealth, from Anglo-French richesce, from riche rich, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English rīce rich

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riches was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Riches.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riches. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

riches

plural noun
rich·​es ˈrich-əz How to pronounce riches (audio)
: things that make one rich : wealth
Etymology

Middle English richesse, originally not a plural but a singular noun meaning "richness"

More from Merriam-Webster on riches

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