noun Uncommon

duchy

DUHT-shee

Duchy (noun) means a territory or state ruled by a duke or duchess. Example: “Luxembourg is the last surviving sovereign duchy in Europe.”

noun

A territory or state ruled by a duke or duchess.

"Luxembourg is the last surviving sovereign duchy in Europe."

How to use duchy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA region or small state ruled by a duke or duchess.

Common pairings

grand duchy duchy of Cornwall

duchies plural

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Can you complete this real example?

Luxembourg is the last surviving sovereign _____ in Europe.

From Old French duché, ultimately from Latin dux ("leader") — the land governed by a duke.

Origin: Latin

dukedom

dukedom

touchy grouchy

What does “duchy” mean?

The word “duchy” means a territory or state ruled by a duke or duchess. In plain terms, a region or small state ruled by a duke or duchess.

How do you pronounce “duchy”?

“Duchy” is pronounced DUHT-shee (/ˈdʌt͡ʃi/ in IPA).

How do you use “duchy” in a sentence?

Here is “duchy” used in a sentence: “Luxembourg is the last surviving sovereign duchy in Europe.”

What part of speech is “duchy”?

“Duchy” is a noun.

Where does the word “duchy” come from?

The word “duchy” comes from Latin. From Old French duché, ultimately from Latin dux ("leader") — the land governed by a duke.

Is “duchy” a common word?

“Duchy” is an uncommon word in modern English.

dukedom