duchess

noun

duch·​ess ˈdə-chəs How to pronounce duchess (audio)
1
: the wife or widow of a duke
2
: a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right

Examples of duchess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The duchess’ love for animals extended beyond farm pets. Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 21 June 2024 The duchess said her mental health suffered as a result. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2024 When Meghan was popular, Kate was the drab and conservative duchess of yesterday compared to Meghan’s exciting progressivism. Constance Grady, Vox, 6 June 2024 The two duchesses of deception, Mia and Karen, also continue to circle each other in this cold war. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for duchess 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'duchess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English duchesse, from Anglo-French, from duc duke

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of duchess was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near duchess

Cite this Entry

“Duchess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duchess. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

duchess

noun
duch·​ess ˈdəch-əs How to pronounce duchess (audio)
1
: the wife or widow of a duke
2
: a woman holding the rank of duke in her own right

More from Merriam-Webster on duchess

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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