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
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The duchess demanded an intervention in her defense by the wider royal family. Jack Royston, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 The royal family site also added their well wishes to Sophie with a series of photos of the duchess accompanied by some birthday balloons. Simon Perry, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 The show's first official trailer dropped on January 2, which the duchess posted to her own, new Instagram account with a personal message. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 Jan. 2025 Holbrook was among the dozens of young women competing for the crown as duchesses, each representing a citrus product. Berenice Garcia, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for duchess 

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 30 Jan. 2025.

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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