noun
courtier
KAW-teer
Courtier (noun) means a person who attends a royal court, often trying to gain favor with the monarch. Example: “The king was surrounded by ambitious courtiers.”
noun
1
A person who attends a royal court, often trying to gain favor with the monarch.
"The king was surrounded by ambitious courtiers."
"She played the role of a scheming courtier in the play."
How to use courtier
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who serves or seeks favor at a royal court, sometimes with a hint of flattery or scheming.
Common pairings
royal courtier
flattering courtier
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Word forms
- Plural
- courtiers
Fill the gap
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The king was surrounded by ambitious _____.
Etymology
From Old French cortoiier, related to "court" plus the agent suffix -ier.
Rhymes for courtier
See all rhymes for courtier →Frequently asked questions
What does “courtier” mean?
The word “courtier” means a person who attends a royal court, often trying to gain favor with the monarch. In plain terms, someone who serves or seeks favor at a royal court, sometimes with a hint of flattery or scheming.
How do you pronounce “courtier”?
“Courtier” is pronounced KAW-teer (/ˈkɔɹtiɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “courtier” in a sentence?
Here is “courtier” used in a sentence: “The king was surrounded by ambitious courtiers.”
What part of speech is “courtier”?
“Courtier” is a noun.
Where does the word “courtier” come from?
The word “courtier” comes from Old French. From Old French cortoiier, related to "court" plus the agent suffix -ier.
