ladyship

American

[ley-dee-ship] / ˈleɪ diˌʃɪp /

noun

(often initial capital letter) the form used in speaking of or to a woman having the title of Lady (usually preceded by her oryour ).
the rank of a lady.

Ladyship British

/ ˈleɪdɪʃɪp /

noun

a title used to address or refer to any peeress except a duchess

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ladyship

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; lady, -ship

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Connie, for all her talent and ingenuity, has no social identity beyond her ladyship.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2022

“With three younger sisters grown up,” replied Elizabeth, smiling, “your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it.”

From Slate • Dec. 3, 2019

When her ladyship met the new footman, she asked: "Don't I know you from Lark Pies To Cranchesterford?"

From The Guardian • Oct. 11, 2012

I would ask your ladyship to extend the order.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2012

Her ladyship Kalypso clung to him in her sea-hollowed caves— a nymph, immortal and most beautiful, who craved him for her own.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023