What does prince mean?
A prince is a male member of a royal family, usually the son of a reigning monarch or the holder of a title equivalent to that of a royal son. In modern usage, the word usually identifies a male royal rather than a reigning ruler, though it historically had the broader meaning of a sovereign or ruling prince. The term can also appear figuratively, as in “the prince of the family,” and informally as a verb meaning to flatter someone or behave with exaggerated dignity. “Prince charming” is a familiar expression referring to an idealized, gallant, or romantically appealing man, while “crown prince” identifies the royal heir. Although the word may sound merely ceremonial today, its history is connected to ideas of first rank and political importance, making it a useful example of how royal vocabulary preserves older social and political meanings.
A male member of a royal family, especially the son of a monarch; historically, a sovereign ruler.
"The prince was educated at a school in Switzerland."
In modern English, “prince” generally denotes a royal-family member rather than a reigning monarch.
Informal, to flatter or fawn upon someone, or to act or dress ostentatiously as a prince.
"They prince him constantly, hoping for a favorable decision."
This use is informal and may imply ingratiating or overly deferential behavior.
The regular plural refers to multiple male members of a royal family or multiple people holding the title.
"Several princes attended the ceremony."
Prince comes from a Latin word meaning “first citizen,” a reminder that the title began outside ordinary noble or military ranks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of prince
The English word entered Middle English through Old French prince, from Latin princeps, a term meaning “first” or “chief person.” The same Latin root underlies principal, principle, and principled. Over time, prince developed from a general word for a leading or sovereign figure into a title used for members of royal families.
Related word forms
How prince is actually used
As a noun, “prince” is conventional in British and American English. The verb is informal and can sound flattering or obsequious when directed toward someone in a position of power.
Easily confused with prince
A prince is a male royal-family member, while a princess is the corresponding female title.
A prince is a royal title, whereas a print is a printed image, document, or design.