princess
prihn-SEHS
Princess (noun) means a female member of a royal family, especially a daughter or granddaughter of a monarch. Example: “The princess greeted well-wishers outside the cathedral.”
noun
1
A female member of a royal family, especially a daughter or granddaughter of a monarch.
"The princess greeted well-wishers outside the cathedral."
"The young princess opened the new library and chatted with the children."
"As a princess, she was expected to attend many official events."
2
Informal: a girl or woman regarded as spoiled or overly demanding.
"Stop acting like such a princess and help clean up."
"My cousin is a bit of a princess and refuses to eat anything that isn't perfect."
"Don't be a princess about it; just carry your own bag."
How to use princess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA female royal, or informally, someone (often a child) treated as if she deserves special pampering.
When to use it
The "spoiled person" sense is informal and can be mildly insulting.
Common pairings
fairy-tale princess
act like a princess
daddy's little princess
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Word forms
- Plural
- princesses
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The _____ greeted well-wishers outside the cathedral.
Etymology
From Old French princesse, formed from prince plus the feminine suffix -ess.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “princess” mean?
The word “princess” means a female member of a royal family, especially a daughter or granddaughter of a monarch. In plain terms, a female royal, or informally, someone (often a child) treated as if she deserves special pampering.
How do you pronounce “princess”?
“Princess” is pronounced prihn-SEHS (/ˈpɹɪnsɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “princess” in a sentence?
Here is “princess” used in a sentence: “The princess greeted well-wishers outside the cathedral.”
What part of speech is “princess”?
“Princess” is a noun.
Where does the word “princess” come from?
The word “princess” comes from Old French. From Old French princesse, formed from prince plus the feminine suffix -ess.
Is “princess” a common word?
“Princess” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “princess” have?
“Princess” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a female member of a royal family, especially a daughter or granddaughter of a monarch.
What is the difference between a princess and a queen?
A princess is typically the daughter or granddaughter of a monarch, or a woman married to a prince. A queen either reigns as the monarch in her own right or is the wife of a king. In short, a queen usually outranks a princess, and a princess may one day become queen.
Can a princess become a queen?
Yes. A princess who is in line to the throne becomes queen when she succeeds the monarch, ruling as queen regnant. She can also become queen by marrying a king, taking the title of queen consort. Not every princess reaches the throne, since succession depends on birth order and royal law.
What is the difference between a princess and a duchess?
Both are royal or noble titles, but they sit at different levels. Princess is usually reserved for the daughters and granddaughters of a monarch and ranks very high. Duchess is a step below, held by a woman who is a duke's wife or who holds a dukedom. A princess can also be styled a duchess through marriage.
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