noun
Common
duchess
DUHT-shihs
Duchess (noun) means the wife or widow of a duke, or a woman who rules a duchy in her own right. Example: “The Duchess of Cambridge attended the charity gala.”
noun
1
The wife or widow of a duke, or a woman who rules a duchy in her own right.
"The Duchess of Cambridge attended the charity gala."
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have ended months of intense speculation by announcing they are expecting their first child, but were forced to share their news earlier than hoped because of the Duchess's admission to hospital on Monday."
— Caroline Davies, The Guardian (2012)
"The duchess opened the new hospital wing and chatted with several patients."
"In the novel, the proud duchess lives in a huge castle with her husband."
How to use duchess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe female equivalent of a duke, either by marriage or by birthright.
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Word forms
- Plural
- duchesses
- Third person singular
- duchesses
- Past tense
- duchessed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of Cambridge attended the charity gala.
Etymology
From Old French duchesse, the feminine form of duc ("duke").
Frequently asked questions
What does “duchess” mean?
The word “duchess” means the wife or widow of a duke, or a woman who rules a duchy in her own right. In plain terms, the female equivalent of a duke, either by marriage or by birthright.
How do you pronounce “duchess”?
“Duchess” is pronounced DUHT-shihs (/ˈdʌt͡ʃɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “duchess” in a sentence?
Here is “duchess” used in a sentence: “The Duchess of Cambridge attended the charity gala.”
What part of speech is “duchess”?
“Duchess” is a noun.
Where does the word “duchess” come from?
The word “duchess” comes from Old French. From Old French duchesse, the feminine form of duc ("duke").
Is “duchess” a common word?
“Duchess” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a duchess and a duke?
A duke is the male holder of the title, while a duchess is either the wife or widow of a duke, or a woman who holds and rules a duchy in her own right.
What is the difference between a duchess and a princess?
A duchess holds the title through marriage to a duke or by ruling a duchy in her own right, while a princess typically holds her title through royal birth or marriage to a prince. The two titles belong to different ranks within a nobility system.
Can a duchess rule in her own right, not just through marriage?
Yes. A duchess can be a woman who rules a duchy in her own right, not only a duke's wife or widow, meaning the title can be held independently of marriage.
