Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
duenna
noun
/dʊˈɛnə/
Definition
A duenna is a woman, typically an older one, who acts as a governess or chaperone to a young girl or woman.
Examples
- The young lady felt comforted with her duenna by her side during the social gathering.
- In many historical novels, the duenna plays a crucial role in protecting the protagonist’s honor.
- Finding a suitable duenna was essential for the family to ensure their daughter’s safety and decorum.
Meaning
The term ‘duenna’ refers to a woman whose role is to guide, supervise, or protect a younger woman, often in a familial or social context. It can also imply a sense of authority or oversight.
Synonyms
- chaperone
- governess
- guardian
