duchess

noun

duch·​ess ˈdə-chəs 

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

But this is Meghan Markle, Hollywood actor, entrepreneur, and duchess. —Mina Holland, Vogue, 11 Jan. 2025

Meghan McCain eviscerates Meghan Markle, calls duchess ‘out of touch’ Robby Soave and Niall Stanage react to Meghan McCain’s visceral critique if Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix series set to air on Jan, 15, 2025. —The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025

From the looks of the trailer, With Love, Meghan, positions the duchess as a sort of West Coast Ina Garten, and what's not to love about that? —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 Jan. 2025

This could be the start of a whole new era for the duchess, who stopped using the @SussexRoyal account shortly after stepping down from senior royal duties with her husband in 2020. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing duchess

• grand duchess

Kids Definition

duchess

noun

duch·​ess ˈdəch-əs 

1

: the wife or widow of a duke

2

: a woman holding the rank of duke in her own right