Countess

/ˈkaʊntɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The wife or widow of a count or an earl.
The countess attended the royal ball in a magnificent gown.
A woman holding the rank of count in her own right.
The countess ruled over her lands with great wisdom and fairness.
A title of nobility held by women in various countries.
She was known as Countess Lila, a title she inherited from her father.
A woman who is a member of the nobility, typically in European countries.
The countess hosted a charity event at her castle, inviting many prominent figures.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'comtesse', which comes from 'comte', meaning count.

Common Phrases and Expressions

countess of a castle
A noblewoman who has authority over a castle or estate.
countess by marriage
A woman who receives the title of countess through marriage.

Related Words

count
A nobleman of high rank, often equivalent to an earl.
earl
A British noble equivalent to a count.
viscountess
The wife of a viscount or a woman holding the rank of viscount in her own right.

Slang Meanings

A term for a woman with a high social status who is seen as haughty or elitist.
She acts like a countess, looking down on those who aren't in her social circle.
Used humorously to describe someone who enjoys playing the role of an aristocrat.
She calls herself a countess when she wears her fancy hat to tea.