peerage

noun

peer·​age ˈpir-ij How to pronounce peerage (audio)
1
: the body of peers
2
: the rank or dignity of a peer
3
: a book containing a list of peers with their genealogy, history, and titles

Examples of peerage in a Sentence

He was given the peerage after years of devoted service to the community.
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.
To win a vote in Parliament, James sometimes simply established new peerages. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024 The Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn (a Scottish peerage), and Baron of Carrickfergus (an Irish peerage). Sam Reed, Glamour, 8 Sep. 2022 King Charles' coronation organizer Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, uniquely inherited the royal responsibility through his peerage title. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 2 May 2023 During his investigations, Mr. Chanin used an online database that tracks the genealogical history of the British peerage and unearthed a name that looked similar: the Honorable Robert Anthony Rayne. Joshua Needelman, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for peerage 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peerage was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near peerage

Cite this Entry

“Peerage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peerage. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

peerage

noun
peer·​age ˈpi(ə)r-ij How to pronounce peerage (audio)
1
2
: a list or register of peers

More from Merriam-Webster on peerage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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