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kingship

American  
[king-ship] / ˈkɪŋ ʃɪp /

noun

  1. the state, office, or dignity of a king.

  2. rule by a king; monarchy.

  3. aptitude for kingly duties.

  4. (initial capital letter) a title used in referring to a king: Majesty (preceded by His orYour ).


kingship British  
/ ˈkɪŋʃɪp /

noun

  1. the position or authority of a king

  2. the skill or practice of ruling as a king

"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 kingship

First recorded in 1275–1325, kingship is from the Middle English word kingscip. See king, -ship

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:

The repeated use of gold imagery only intensifies those concerns because of the symbolism gold carries historically and biblically: kingship, permanence, divinity and power.

From Salon May 10, 2026

In 1415, on the eve of challenging France at the Battle of Agincourt, he agonizes about the moral burdens of kingship.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 9, 2026

The defining attribute of a dictatorship, as well as of kingship in its ancient and absolute form, is the assertion that law—its making, interpretation, adjudication, and enforcement—is an emanation of the will of one man.

From Slate Feb. 21, 2025

Water lilies symbolized "Classic Maya kingship," Lucero wrote.

From Science Daily Oct. 9, 2023

They talked to each other, warned each other, fought for food, for kingship, and for the right to make the most noise.

From "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

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