viscountess

[ vahy-koun-tis ]

noun

1. the wife or widow of a viscount.
2. a woman holding in her own right a rank equivalent to that of a viscount.

viscountess

/ ˈvaɪkaʊntɪs /

noun

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

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of viscountess¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; viscount, -ess

Example Sentences

What’s a nice Jewish viscountess to do when she has a title but no money, a party invitation but no clothes and a pair of scissors but no sewing skills?

From New York Times

That scene is such a shift in the story line where you see Edwina’s frustration and determination to become the viscountess.

From New York Times

Julie Montagu, an American viscountess, knows that marrying into British aristocracy isn’t as glamorous as it sounds.

From Fox News

In 2011 a portrait of the viscountess finally went on display in the House of Lords.

From BBC

A viscountess should be addressed as "Lady C." by the upper classes, and as "My Lady" or "Your Ladyship" by all other classes.

From Project Gutenberg