black prince: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Historical / Literary
Quick answer
What does “black prince” mean?
A nickname for Edward of Woodstock (1330–1376), eldest son of King Edward III of England, a renowned military leader in the Hundred Years' War, famous for his black armour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nickname for Edward of Woodstock (1330–1376), eldest son of King Edward III of England, a renowned military leader in the Hundred Years' War, famous for his black armour.
A historical reference to the English prince. Can be used metaphorically for a formidable, dark, or tragic hero figure. Also appears in some horticultural contexts (e.g., a cultivar of beetroot, a type of scallop).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is known in both varieties due to shared history, but is significantly more common in British contexts due to its place in national history.
Connotations
In British English, connotes chivalry, military prowess, and a key part of medieval history. In American English, it is a more distant historical reference.
Frequency
Far more frequent in British historical discourse, education, and place names (e.g., pubs). In American English, it is a specialised term encountered in world history contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “black prince” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (used appositively)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black prince” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (used only as a proper noun in attributive position, e.g., 'Black Prince armour')
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical papers, medieval studies, and military history.
Everyday
Rare, except in UK pub names or casual reference to British history.
Technical
May appear in horticulture for plant names (e.g., 'Black Prince' beetroot).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black prince”
- Adding 'the' incorrectly (e.g., 'the Black Prince Edward' is redundant). Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a black prince').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, he died one year before his father, so he never became king. His son became Richard II.
The origin is uncertain but is traditionally attributed to his distinctive black armour, which set him apart on the battlefield.
Yes, it is used as a cultivar name for certain dark-leaved or dark-fruited plants, like beetroot or tomatoes.
He is buried in Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England, where his ornate tomb and effigy can be seen.
A nickname for Edward of Woodstock (1330–1376), eldest son of King Edward III of England, a renowned military leader in the Hundred Years' War, famous for his black armour.
Black prince is usually formal / historical / literary in register.
Black prince: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈprɪns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈprɪns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. The figure appears in phrases like 'the Black Prince's ruby' (in the British Imperial State Crown).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a prince in distinctive, **black** armour at the **Battle of Crécy** to remember the historical figure.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DARK HERO IS A BLACK PRINCE (for a formidable but morally complex or tragic leader).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for the nickname 'Black Prince'?