baroness

American  

[bar-uh-nis] / ˈbær ə nɪs /

noun

1. the wife of a baron.

2. a woman holding a baronial title in her own right.

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baroness British  

/ ˈbærənɪs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a baron

2. a woman holding the rank of baron in her own right

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Gender

What's the difference between baroness and baron? See -ess.

Etymology

Origin of baroness

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English baronnesse from Anglo-French, Middle French ( see baron, -ess); replacing Middle English barnesse, from Anglo-French, Old French

Example Sentences

But the balancing act ended when she read from the Old Testament—Jewish Scripture—on a day of national celebration, and the 13-year-old daughter of a baroness loyal to the Nazis informed on her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

William also praised Benjamin for her lifelong commitment to philanthropy: The baroness is vice president of Action for Children and Barnardo’s, both of which work with vulnerable children in the U.K.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2024

The baroness said those costs included a contract worth up to £5m with Fujitsu, a Japanese IT firm which has been hired to work on the system.

From BBC • May 26, 2023

Nearby, the baron and baroness also built the Ullens School, which offers an international baccalaureate curriculum.

From New York Times • Apr. 10, 2023

“No offense, dear,” the baroness said, “but I’d rather talk to Napoleon than your aunt Mabel.”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood