—used as a title for a person of exalted rank (such as a king or prince)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThough, frankly, any of us would be lucky to be mistaken for her royal highness, Angela Lansbury.Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2022 This means that while Elizabeth reigned, of all her great-grandchildren, only Prince William’s eldest son, Prince George, was entitled to be called his royal highness. Annabelle Timsit, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2022 The color will be trooped, and then all back to her royal highness’s for a party at the palace. Raven Smith, Vogue, 1 June 2022 Don’t call her Brandy no more — call her your highness. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2022 If your recipe calls for a crumb crust, such as her highness the B.S.G.C.C., the shape of the loaf pan actually allows for another cool trick.Bon Appétit, 12 Apr. 2022 Trixie advises Alma to playact highness to flummox E.B. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2021 To avoid any misunderstanding, steer clear of any mention of his royal highness.Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2021 Introducing his serene highness, Kaiser Otto Von Stop-Zalot. Dan Neil, WSJ, 12 June 2021 See More
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of highness was before the 12th century