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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.

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

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

He was closely linked with Bo Xilai, another "princeling" who was a rival of Mr Xi's.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2022

As the salmon was being served, Ser Axell Florent had entertained the table with the tale of a Targaryen princeling who kept an ape as a pet.

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

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