# baronet

/ˈbɛɹənət/ (US) · /bˈæɹənˌɛt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/baronet
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a person who has been given a special title by the king or queen. This title is higher than a knight but lower than a baron.

For teachers: a person holding a hereditary title of honor, ranking below a baron and above a knight. The title is conferred by the monarch and is typically used as a prefix to the holder's name.

## Examples

- The baronet attended the royal ceremony in his finest suit.
- After years of service to the community, the local mayor was elevated to the rank of baronet by the Queen.
- The title of baronet is unique in that it is not a peerage, yet it carries the right to use the honorific prefix 'Sir' and is hereditary across the male line.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.