princess

[ prin-sis, -ses, prin-ses ]

noun

1. a nonreigning female member of a royal family.
2. History/Historical. a female sovereign or monarch; queen.
3. the consort of a prince.
4. (in Great Britain) a daughter or granddaughter (if the child of a son) of a king or queen.
5. a woman considered to have the qualities or characteristics of a princess.

adjective

1. Also princesse. (of a woman's dress, coat, or the like) styled with a close-fitting bodice and flared skirt, cut in single pieces, as gores, from shoulder to hem.

princess

/ prɪnˈsɛs /

noun

1. (in Britain) a daughter of the sovereign or of one of the sovereign's sons
2. a nonreigning female member of a sovereign family
3. the wife and consort of a prince
4. any very attractive or outstanding woman
5. Also calledprincess dressprincess line a style of dress with a fitted bodice and an A-line skirt that is shaped by seams from shoulder to hem without a seam at the waistline

Gender Note

See -ess.

Other Words From

• princess·like adjective
• princess·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of princess¹

1350–1400; Middle English princesse < Middle French. See prince, -ess

Example Sentences

As people wind through the queue of the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride, they’re greeted by a chalkboard message left by the princess.

From Los Angeles Times

“For the first time,” Carter said, “I had a princess that looked like me.”

From Los Angeles Times

The carol service is supported by the Royal Foundation, the charity which supports the work of the prince and princess.

From BBC

Fans were quick to realise the significance of a game starring the princess as the main character.

From BBC

The princess has been gradually returning to public royal duties following her cancer treatment.

From BBC

Related Words

• czar
• emperor
• king
• monarch
• shah
• sultan