duchy
Americannoun
-
duchies
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of duchy
1350–1400; Middle English duche < Middle French duche; Anglo-French, Old French duchié < Medieval Latin ducātus; Late Latin, Latin: the rank or functions of a dux; see duke, -ate 3
Explanation
If you are a duke or a duchess, the country or territory you rule is called a duchy. England's Prince Charles is the current Duke of Cornwall and symbolically reigns over a duchy that includes Cornwall and the surrounding area. The term duchy is mainly historical and almost always refers to European territories. Over the years, many dukes and duchesses have ruled over duchies, while others have maintained honorary titles without any real power. Grand duchies were small, sovereign countries ruled by a grand duke or grand duchess. Today, the only remaining grand duchy is Luxembourg, symbolically ruled by Grand Duke Henri, who has limited governmental powers.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
But former Home Office minister and a critic of royal finances Norman Baker said the duchy would still be a "royal fruit machine... he pulls the handle and gets a jackpot every time".
From BBC ● May 18, 2026
He said that the switch to more housing would not leave the duchy any worse off: "More houses, more tenants, more income," Mr Baker said.
From BBC ● May 18, 2026
On the issue of mining, the spokesperson said that the duchy was “acting responsibly and in a sustainable way” to the government’s industrial strategy.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2024
In this competition, Philip understood that wine, with the trade revenue and prestige it brought to him and his duchy, was a most valuable currency.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2024
No one, not even Mother, crossed her in the duchy of her kitchen.
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
Separate reports are published for the two duchies which are described on their respective websites as private estates.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2025
Royals do not have to explain how they spend the private income they take from the duchies.
From New York Times ● Jul. 18, 2023
In the 16th century rulers across Europe introduced new laws to make sorcery punishable by death—and the trials moved from ecclesiastical to secular courts, such as in duchies and towns.
From Scientific American ● May 31, 2023
He voluntarily paid income tax, but the royal duchies, unlike other businesses and landed estates in Britain, are exempt from corporate and capital gains taxes.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 28, 2023
The country was not now divided into a few duchies which, with skilful management, might still in times of emergency have been made to act together.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 8 "Germany" to "Gibson, William" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
