prince: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal to neutral, with formal dominance. Common in historical, political, and cultural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “prince” mean?
A male member of a royal family, especially the son of a king or queen, or a ruler of a small country or state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A male member of a royal family, especially the son of a king or queen, or a ruler of a small country or state.
A man considered to be outstanding or preeminent in a particular sphere, or a nobleman of varying rank in some countries. Also used metaphorically to denote someone possessing the highest qualities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage largely identical. The concept is more culturally salient in the UK and other monarchies. The title 'Prince' is part of the British honours system (e.g., Prince of Wales).
Connotations
In UK, strongly associated with the contemporary royal family and history. In US, carries more historical/fairy-tale connotations, though used for foreign royalty.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media due to coverage of the monarchy.
Grammar
How to Use “prince” in a Sentence
Prince + of + [Place/Title]Prince + [Name]the + Prince + [Name]His/Her Royal Highness Prince + [Name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Figurative: 'He's the prince of retail' to denote dominance.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and literary studies contexts.
Everyday
In discussions of royalty, news, fairy tales, and as a metaphor for a kind or excellent man.
Technical
In heraldry, protocol, and constitutional law relating to monarchies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prince”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prince”
- Using 'prince' for a female (princess). Misusing 'Prince' vs. 'King'. Confusing 'prince' with 'princess' in fast speech. Incorrect: 'He is a prince of England' (correct: '... of the United Kingdom' or '... in England').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A prince is usually a royal title, often born into, especially the son of a monarch. A duke is the highest rank of nobility below royalty, usually a non-royal title granted by a monarch. The Prince of Wales is royal; the Duke of Westminster is a nobleman.
No, the female equivalent is 'princess'. However, a woman can hold the title 'Princess' in her own right or as the wife of a prince.
No, it's a general treatise on political power and statecraft, dedicated to Lorenzo de' Medici. It uses 'prince' to mean any ruler or leader.
A country or territory ruled by a prince. Modern examples include Monaco and Liechtenstein. Historically, many small states were principalities.
A male member of a royal family, especially the son of a king or queen, or a ruler of a small country or state.
Prince is usually formal to neutral, with formal dominance. common in historical, political, and cultural contexts. in register.
Prince: in British English it is pronounced /prɪns/, and in American English it is pronounced /prɪns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Prince Charming”
- “a prince among men”
- “the prince of darkness”
- “live like a prince”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PRINCE' as 'PRImary iNCrease' - the primary (first) son whose status increases to become king.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOODNESS/EXCELLENCE IS ROYALTY (e.g., 'a prince of a fellow'); POWER/LEADERSHIP IS ROYALTY (e.g., 'Wall Street princes').
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, describing someone as 'a prince' primarily suggests what quality?