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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two identical women, a Chicago baker and a European duchess, swap lives just days before Christmas — and, of course, romance ensues. Janey Tracey, EW.com, 29 Nov. 2024 The latest quarterly data compiled by polling agency YouGov shows the duchess is now 17th on the list of the most popular royal family members based on the size of her fanbase. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2024 Election The duchess chose not to formally endorse a candidate in 2020 during a period in which the Sussexes were still hoping to achieve a half-in, half-out model for their future relationship with the royal family. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 The duchess shares Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34, with her ex-husband Prince Andrew of York. Ashley Hume, Fox News, 29 Sep. 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 22 Dec. 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

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