duchess

[ duhch-is ]

noun

1. the wife or widow of a duke.
2. a woman who holds in her own right the sovereignty or titles of a duchy.

duchess

/ ˈdʌtʃɪs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a duke
2. a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right

verb

1. informal.
   to overwhelm with flattering attention

Gender Note

See -ess.

Other Words From

• duchess·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of duchess¹

1300–50; Middle English duchesse < Anglo-French, Old French, feminine derivative of duc duke; -ess

Word History and Origins

Origin of duchess¹

C14: from Old French duchesse, feminine of duc duke

Example Sentences

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joined an event in Paris, while Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh led the ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

From BBC

The Queen missed the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, where she was instead represented by the Duchess of Gloucester.

From BBC

The present Queen was among Spencer's many fans, and as Duchess of Cornwall she invited the actress and her co-stars to Clarence House for a reception in 2021, marking the show's 70th anniversary.

From BBC

The Duchess of Gloucester will step in on behalf of the Queen, 77, at the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday.

From BBC

He spoke to tech insiders, as well as Sir Tim Berners Lee - the founder of the modern Internet - and he even pressed his case with the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

From BBC

Related Words

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