ladyship

American

[ley-dee-ship] / ˈleɪ diˌʃɪp /

noun

(often initial capital letter) the form used in speaking of or to a woman having the title of Lady (usually preceded by her oryour ).
the rank of a lady.

Ladyship British

/ ˈleɪdɪʃɪp /

noun

a title used to address or refer to any peeress except a duchess

"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 ladyship

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; lady, -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.

Connie, for all her talent and ingenuity, has no social identity beyond her ladyship.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2022

“Upon my word,” said her ladyship, “you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?”

From Slate • Dec. 3, 2019

When her ladyship met the new footman, she asked: "Don't I know you from Lark Pies To Cranchesterford?"

From The Guardian • Oct. 11, 2012

I would ask your ladyship to extend the order.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2012

“May I take the liberty of asking your ladyship whether you left Mr. and Mrs. Collins well.”

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023