countess

[ koun-tis ]

/ ˈkaʊn tɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR countess ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the wife or widow of a count in the nobility of Continental Europe or of an earl in the British peerage.

a woman having the rank of a count or earl in her own right.

Nearby words

counterview, counterweigh, counterweight, counterword, counterwork, countess, counting chamber, counting house, counting number, counting room, countless

Origin of countess

1125–75; Middle English c(o)untesse < Anglo-French. See count², -ess

Usage note

See -ess.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for countess

Kate - known as the Countess of Strathearn when north of the border - wore £425 blue and grey coat by British label Moloh.
Kate, William and Tartan Bump Tour Scotland|Tom Sykes|April 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Just look at their company: Countess LuAnn, Steve Harvey, Jessica Seinfeld, Paris Hilton.
‘Pot Psychology’: The Stoners’ Guide to Life|Adam Auriemma|November 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Also present were Andrew and his daughter Princess Beatrice, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Kate Middleton Stuns in Temperley Dress|Tom Sykes|October 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The Royal visit by the Earl and Countess of Wessex to the territory raised tensions in Spain.
Edward's Visit to Gibraltar Stirs Up Spanish Anger|Tom Sykes|June 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST

The Countess deftly steered the lifeboat, a resolute and unlikely vision in her ermine and pearls.
The Titanic’s Haute Heroine: The Countess of Rothes|Elizabeth Kaye|April 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
As the light flashed on the face of the countess, Peretori could see that she was visibly disturbed.
The Weight of the Crown|Fred M. White
Countess Ammiani obtained her consent that she would not quit her side.
Vittoria, Complete|George Meredith
The countess bounded up on the sofa and the duke wiped his forehead with his handkerchief.
The Mesmerist's Victim|Alexandre Dumas
I heard that this lady' (bowing to the Countess) 'was his daughter.'
Evan Harrington, Complete|George Meredith
The countess fell back a step, and stared at the abbé, her face all astonishment.
Black Diamonds|Mr Jkai

British Dictionary definitions for countess

countess

/ (ˈkaʊntɪs) /

noun

the wife or widow of a count or earl

a woman of the rank of count or earl

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