princess: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal (depending on context; informal/sarcastic uses exist).
Quick answer
What does “princess” mean?
A female member of a royal family, especially a daughter or granddaughter of a king and queen, or the wife of a prince.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female member of a royal family, especially a daughter or granddaughter of a king and queen, or the wife of a prince.
A woman or girl regarded as embodying superior qualities such as grace, beauty, and status; can also refer to a female ruler or a title given by courtesy. In informal contexts, it can be used (often critically) to describe a woman perceived as spoiled, self-centered, or expecting special treatment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Pronunciation differs (/ɪn/ vs /ɛn/ in the second syllable). 'Princess' as a title (e.g., Princess Anne) is used identically. Informal use as a term of endearment or criticism is common in both, but the compound 'princess cut' (a diamond shape) is more prevalent in AmE marketing.
Connotations
Broadly similar. In informal contexts, both use it to imply someone is pampered or high-maintenance. In the UK, the association with the Royal Family is more immediate.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media due to coverage of the monarchy.
Grammar
How to Use “princess” in a Sentence
Princess + (first name): Princess CharlottePrincess + of + (place): Princess of Walesprincess + to-infinitive: She was a princess to behold.verb + like a princess: She was treated like a princess.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “princess” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Rare and non-standard.
American English
- Rare and non-standard.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- She ordered a princess-line coat.
- The princess cut diamond sparkled.
American English
- She loved the princess sleeve design.
- It's a princess telephone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing ('princess treatment' for luxury services) or pejoratively ('she's a real princess' about a difficult client).
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or literary studies discussing monarchy, gender roles, or archetypes.
Everyday
Common: referring to royalty, as a term of endearment for a girl, or critically to describe a demanding person.
Technical
Used in heraldry, protocol, and constitutional law regarding titles and succession.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “princess”
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable like 'PRIN-cess' in all contexts (the second syllable is stressed when used as a title before a name: Princess Diana).
- Using 'princess' as a direct, respectful title for an unknown royal woman without her name (use 'Your Royal Highness').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, it's commonly /ˈprɪnsəs/ (PRIN-sess). In British English, when used as a title (Princess Anne), it's /prɪnˈses/ (prin-SESS). In isolation, both pronunciations are heard in both dialects.
Yes, but with caution. As an official title, it's standard. As a metaphorical compliment ('she's a real princess'), it can be ambiguous and potentially sound condescending, implying she is delicate or high-maintenance.
A princess is usually a blood relative of a monarch (by birth or marriage). A duchess holds a lower rank in the nobility, typically as the wife of a duke or as a title bestowed in her own right, not necessarily implying royal blood.
No, 'princess' is not a standard verb. The related concept is expressed with phrases like 'to princess it up' (informal) or 'to pamper'.
A female member of a royal family, especially a daughter or granddaughter of a king and queen, or the wife of a prince.
Princess is usually neutral to formal (depending on context; informal/sarcastic uses exist). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “princess and the pea”
- “princess for a day”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PRINCE + ESS (a female suffix). A princess is essentially a 'female prince' in terms of royal status.
Conceptual Metaphor
WOMAN AS ROYALTY (to denote high status, value, or pampered treatment). LIFE IS A FAIRY TALE (where one can be a princess).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'princess' most likely to be used pejoratively in everyday English?