kingly

adjective

king·​ly ˈkiŋ-lē How to pronounce kingly (audio)
kinglier; kingliest
1
: having royal rank
2
: of, relating to, or befitting a king
3
kingliness noun
kingly adverb

Examples of kingly in a Sentence

a symbol of kingly authority They paid a kingly price for their new house.
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.
K by Dolce & Gabbana would be a kingly gift for any man. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 Every dynasty has its ruler (or two) who would rather be doing something other than exercising his kingly powers, and Tu Duc, an artistic and largely ineffectual poet-ruler, was the Nguyens’ black sheep. Hanya Yanagihara, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2022 Tut’s chariots and their accoutrements illustrate every kingly purpose: riding, hunting, ceremonial processions. Maxwell Carter, WSJ, 17 Nov. 2022 The easiest way to make a kingly statement while still feeling comfortable is with a shawl collar. Barry Samaha, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2022 The centuries-old custom involved the Secretary of State of Wales reading the Letters Patent in Welsh, while the Queen bestowed upon Charles five pieces of insignia: a sword, coronet, ring, the gold rod, and the kingly mantle. Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 3 Mar. 2019 Regulus was in Leo when Trump was born, but six years ago, during November 2011, the star moved from the kingly sign of Leo to Virgo. Rebecca Gordon, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Aug. 2017 An added bonus for those with kingly aspirations: The castle, with swimming pool and tennis court, is rentable. Vanita Salisbury, Town & Country, 30 May 2017 But direct-to-consumer brands like Warby Parker (eyewear) and Everlane (fashion basics), which eliminate both, have let men without a kingly budget score uncompromised style. Scott Christian, WSJ, 3 May 2017

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near kingly

Cite this Entry

“Kingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kingly. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

kingly

adjective
king·​ly ˈkiŋ-lē How to pronounce kingly (audio)
kinglier; kingliest
1
: having royal rank
2
: of, relating to, or worthy of a king
kingliness noun
kingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on kingly

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!