noun

prince

PRINS/prɪns/

A male member or ruler of royalty.

The prince wears a small crown and stands near the throne.

A young adult South Asian prince in tasteful royal clothing and small crown stands near throne, no cartoon.

Etymology

“First” and “take” formed a title for someone who takes first place: a chief or ruler. The title later extended to a king’s son and other male members of royal families.

In context

AP Archive1:24

Harry is the Prince of Wales's second son

An Anglo-American baby in the Royal Family - what does that mean for the future?

More examples

The young prince is the queen's youngest son.
The prince rules a small country in Europe.
Several princes attend the royal wedding.

Forms

prince · princes

princely adjective — Relating to or befitting a prince.

princess noun — A female royal holding the corresponding title.

Similar words

monarch: A reigning sovereign of either sex, unlike many princes.
king: A male sovereign whose title ranks above prince.