duchy

noun

ˈdə-chē How to pronounce duchy (audio)
plural duchies
Synonyms of duchynext
1
: the territory of a duke or duchess : dukedom
2
: special domain

Examples of duchy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Louise Haigh will take on the role of Chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, First Secretary of State and Cabinet Office Minister. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 July 2026 The duchy is overseen by a board of directors and major decisions must be approved by the Treasury. — ABC News, 25 June 2026 The Duke of Cornwall inherited the duchy in September 2022. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 5 June 2026 Map of duchies and kingdoms of medieval Germany The lands of the Carolingian king Louis II (also called Louis the German) would form the core of medieval Germany. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for duchy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English duche, from Anglo-French duché, from duc

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing duchy

Rhymes for duchy

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Browse Nearby Words

duchesse potato
duchy
duck
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Cite this Entry

“Duchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duchy. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

duchy

noun
ˈdəch-ē How to pronounce duchy (audio)
plural duchies
: the territory of a duke or duchess

More from Merriam-Webster on duchy

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for duchy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about duchy

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