courtier

noun

cour·​tier ˈkȯr-tē-ər How to pronounce courtier (audio)
ˈkȯrt-yər,
ˈkȯr-chər
1
: one in attendance at a royal court
2
: one who practices flattery

Examples of courtier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Bridgerton-level bash complete with tiaras, ballgowns, military uniforms and sashes took a storybook turn when a guest left a single sparkling shoe reminiscent of Cinderella, which prompted courtiers to have some fun finding its owner. Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The Hampton Court Great Hall scenes showing courtiers among the grand tapestries that Henry commissioned are rare and instantly transportive. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025 The reserve of a select group of noblemen, les talons rouges, signaled a sumptuary code, an inner circle, which explains why so many of the king’s courtiers were posed awkwardly in portraits for the purpose of displaying their trophy steppers. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025 Washington has become the court of Nero: an incendiary emperor, submissive courtiers, and a buffoon on ketamine tasked with purging the civil service. Claude Malhuret, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for courtier

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of courtier was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Courtier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courtier. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

courtier

noun
court·​ier
ˈkōrt-ē-ər,
ˈkȯrt-
1
: a person in attendance to a ruler at a royal court
2
: a person who practices flattery

More from Merriam-Webster on courtier

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