duke

A British man with a very high noble rank, below a prince.

• The duke owns a large estate.
• She met a British duke at dinner.
• The duke and duchess arrived together.

How to use it: duke of somewhere (The duke of Norfolk attended the ceremony.)

Common phrases: British duke, duke of something, duke and duchess

A man who holds a very high noble title.

• His grandfather was a duke.
• The king made him a duke.
• Two dukes attended the royal wedding.

How to use it: duke of somewhere (The duke of Wellington was invited to dinner.)

Common phrases: a royal duke, duke of something, become a duke

A man who rules a territory called a duchy.

• The duke ruled these lands.
• The duke of the small territory signed a treaty.
• Several dukes fought over the border.

How to use it: duke of somewhere (The duke of Burgundy controlled a large territory.)

Common phrases: reigning duke, duke of something, duke and duchess

A hand closed tightly, especially when someone is ready to fight.

• Put up your dukes!
• He raised his dukes and stepped forward.
• Keep your dukes up when you box.

Similar words: fist

Common phrases: put up dukes, raise a duke

To give someone cash, often as a small payment for a service.

• He duked the porter five dollars.
• She duked the waiter before leaving.
• Did you duke the bellhop anything?

How to use it: duke someone something (He duked the driver ten dollars.)

Similar words: tip

Common phrases: duke someone money, duke the waiter