duchesse
/dy.ʃɛs/feminine
The French word for duchess is duchesse.
The term duchesse refers to a woman who is either the spouse or the widow of a duke.
Meaning: female spouse or widow of a duke (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
duchesse is a feminine noun used specifically to refer to a female duchess. Its masculine counterpart is duc.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /dy.ʃɛs/ in two syllables.
Did you know?
- In certain culinary contexts, the term duchesse refers to a specific style of mashed potato prepared with egg yolks and butter, often shaped into elegant decorative rounds.
- In French fashion, the duchesse is a type of satin fabric known for its high luster and smooth finish, often chosen for bridal gowns and formal evening wear.
- While duchesse is the feminine of duc, the word duc itself is an adaptation of the Latin 'dux', meaning 'leader' or 'guide'.
Examples in context
- Kate Middleton est désormais Son Altesse Royale la princesse William Arthur Philip Louis, duchesse de Cambridge, comtesse de Strathearn, baronne de Carrickfergus, maître ès arts.Kate Middleton is now Her Royal Highness Princess William Arthur Philip Louis, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus, Master of Arts.This sentence is useful for seeing the use of duchesse within a formal royal title.Tatoeba #866012 by U2FS, translation #865548 by Scott
- Je suis une duchesse.I am a duchess.This sentence shows how to use duchesse when stating one's own identity.Tatoeba #13782007 by Adelpa, translation #4131498 by Lepotdeterre
- Madame de Clèves, qui était dans cet âge où l’on ne croit pas qu’une femme puisse être aimée quand elle a passé vingt-cinq ans, regardait avec un extrême étonnement l’attachement que le roi avait pour cette duchesse, qui était grand-mère, et qui venait de marier sa petite-fille.The Princess of Cleves being at those years, wherein people think a woman is incapable of inciting love after the age of twenty-five, beheld with the utmost astonishment the King's passion for the Duchess, who was a grandmother, and had lately married her granddaughter.This sentence illustrates the use of duchesse in a literary context.Tatoeba #839944 by Scott, translation #839945 by Scott
- Madame la Duchesse, permettez-moi de vous présenter mes plus sincères salutations.Madame la Duchesse, allow me to offer you my most sincere regards.
- Je vous présente la duchesse titrée, Madame de Valois.Allow me to introduce the titled duchess, Madame de Valois.
- Son Altesse la Duchesse souhaite vous rencontrer.Her Highness the Duchess wishes to meet you.
- La duchesse est arrivée hier à la fête, tu étais là?The duchess arrived at the party yesterday, were you there?
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing a historical novel.
- HugoEst-ce que la duchesse est le personnage principal ?Is the duchess the main character?
- LéaOui, elle est très courageuse dans l'histoire.Yes, she is very brave in the story.
- HugoC'est une duchesse très intéressante.She is a very interesting duchess.
- LéaTu devrais lire ce livre, Hugo.You should read this book, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “duchess” translations and entries duchesse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duchesse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
