baroness

American  

[bar-uh-nis] / ˈbær ə nɪs /

noun

1. the wife of a baron.

2. a woman holding a baronial title in her own right.

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baroness British  

/ ˈbærənɪs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a baron

2. a woman holding the rank of baron in her own right

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Gender

What's the difference between baroness and baron? See -ess.

Etymology

Origin of baroness

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English baronnesse from Anglo-French, Middle French ( see baron, -ess); replacing Middle English barnesse, from Anglo-French, Old French

Example Sentences

In October, Epstein wrote Axel again: “the baroness and daughter would like to see columbia on thurs. . she is the wealthiest woman in europe.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Alexander, who now sits as a baroness at the House of Lords, said she felt "punished for speaking out" and that the university "failed to fix the roof when the sun shone".

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

William also praised Benjamin for her lifelong commitment to philanthropy: The baroness is vice president of Action for Children and Barnardo’s, both of which work with vulnerable children in the U.K.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2024

Nearby, the baron and baroness also built the Ullens School, which offers an international baccalaureate curriculum.

From New York Times • Apr. 10, 2023

Penelope had met the haughty baroness on several occasions, and each time she had disliked her more than the last—a trend, she feared, that was about to continue.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood