duenna Definition
- 1an older woman who is in charge of a young unmarried girl
- 2a governess or chaperone
Using duenna: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "duenna" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The duenna accompanied the young lady to the ball.
Example
The novel's protagonist was under the watchful eye of her duenna.
Example
The wealthy family hired a duenna to take care of their daughter.
duenna Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with duenna
a reference to a character in Miguel de Cervantes' novel Don Quixote, who is a strict and overprotective duenna
Example
The actress played the role of the duenna of the mantilla in the stage adaptation of Don Quixote.
duenna-like
resembling or characteristic of a duenna, especially in being strict or overprotective
Example
The teacher had a duenna-like attitude towards her students, always making sure they followed the rules.
duenna's chair
a type of high-backed chair with a hood or canopy, used by a duenna to sit and watch over her charge
Example
The museum displayed an antique duenna's chair from the 18th century.
Origins of duenna
from Spanish 'dueña', meaning 'mistress' or 'lady of the house'
Summary: duenna in Brief
'Duenna' [d(y)ooˈɛnə] refers to an older woman who is responsible for the care and supervision of a young unmarried girl. It can also mean a governess or chaperone. The term originates from the Spanish word 'dueña,' meaning 'mistress' or 'lady of the house.' Examples of usage include 'The wealthy family hired a duenna to take care of their daughter,' and 'The novel's protagonist was under the watchful eye of her duenna.'
