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princeling

American  
[prins-ling] / ˈprɪns lɪŋ /

noun

  1. a young prince.

  2. a subordinate, minor, or insignificant prince.


princeling British  
/ ˈprɪnslɪŋ /

noun

  1. Also called: princekin. a young prince

  2. Also called: princelet. the ruler of an insignificant territory; petty or minor prince

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of princeling

First recorded in 1610–20; prince + -ling 1


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:

Aster’s breakout debut, “Hereditary,” gave him an overnight pedigree as the princeling of highbrow horror films about trauma.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2025

"Losing the ‘Helaena’s Choice’ beat did weaken the scene, but not to any great degree," Martin wrote. "There is another aspect to the removal of the young princeling, however."

From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2024

But he lost out to Mr Xi, a rising star in the "princeling" faction of leaders drawn from the families of senior revolutionaries or top officials.

From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2023

These might all describe the deranged bromance between Tom Wambsgans, the cornfed basic, and Greg Hirsch, the leggy princeling of ATN, in “Succession.”

From New York Times ● May 29, 2023

Could the pretty princeling have swallowed the bait?

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

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