duchess

noun

duch·​ess ˈdə-chəs How to pronounce duchess (audio)
Synonyms of duchessnext
1
: the wife or widow of a duke
2
: a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right

Examples of duchess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Maines worked in conjunction with Method Communications, the outside firm retained to support Meghan and Harry's communications efforts, and largely handled the duchess' public relations work. Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 Two identical women, a Chicago baker and a European duchess, swap lives just days before Christmas — and, of course, romance ensues. Janey Tracey, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Dec. 2025 The duchess also remains estranged from her siblings, who have repeatedly spoken negatively about her in the press. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 2025 On Wednesday, Meghan's spokesperson confirmed a letter from the duchess has now been delivered to him at his hospital bed in Cebu and the aide also took a swipe at the newspaper at the same time. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for duchess

Word History

Etymology

Middle English duchesse, from Anglo-French, from duc duke

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of duchess was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Duchess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duchess. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

duchess

noun
duch·​ess ˈdəch-əs How to pronounce duchess (audio)
1
: the wife or widow of a duke
2
: a woman holding the rank of duke in her own right

More from Merriam-Webster on duchess

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