riches
Americanplural noun
plural noun
Etymology
Origin of riches
1175–1225; Middle English, plural of Middle English riche wealth, power ( Old English rīce power, rule; cognate with German Reich realm); confused with Middle English richesse wealth < Old French, equivalent to riche wealthy (< Germanic; see rich) + -esse -ess
Explanation
Use the word riches when you're talking about wealth, including money, treasures, and expensive belongings. Most people who buy lottery tickets dream of winning riches. Occasionally, someone who's born into poverty will grow up to earn riches through hard work and a lot of luck — but more often, people inherit their riches from wealthy relatives. You can also use riches in a figurative way, for something bountiful or profuse: "Let's go to the farmers market and see what riches are available!" Riches was originally richesse, a singular word that was misinterpreted as being plural.
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.
As with so many of The Beatles’ signature albums, “Rubber Soul” proves to be an embarrassment of riches.
From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026
The Chargers have an embarrassment of riches off the edges.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 7, 2026
If you would like to subscribe to Slate Plus and the many riches it offers, use promo code SURGE25 at checkout for a 25 percent discount on a full-year subscription.
From Slate ● Sep. 5, 2026
And there is also a feeling that teams abroad increase the transfer fees they are asking for when English teams - with all their TV riches - show interest in their players.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026
“Unfortunately, we have brought no such riches with us.”
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
