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.
For years, she read tarot cards for tourists who poured out of cruise ships eager to learn of new loves or fabulous riches.
From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026
At a time when market leaders are all about the promise of future AI riches, it’s comforting to own shares in an old-school company that can afford to reward shareholders generously today.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026
"The revolutions of the 1990s paved the way for the riches of the early noughties," he remembers.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
An absolute embarrassment of riches — not that the Rams are shy about it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026
Shusgis was rich, and liberal with his riches.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
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.
