ENGLISH
REFERENCE

consort

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //kənˈsɔɹt// con·sort Archaic Humorous

n. the husband or wife of a king or queen. It can also mean a person you spend a lot of time with, often in a way that others don't like.

n. a wife, husband, or companion, in particular the spouse of a reigning monarch. Often carries a formal or slightly archaic tone, though sometimes used humorously to describe a constant associate.


SIMPLE

The prince served as the queen's consort for many decades.

CONTEXTUAL

He arrived at the gala accompanied by his usual consort, a local artist known for her eccentric style.

COMPLEX

While the king handled matters of state, his consort focused on patronage of the arts, effectively modernizing the crown's public image through cultural diplomacy.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French, ultimately from Latin cōnsors. As “companion or partner”, via Middle English consorte.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'prince consort' or 'queen consort' to denote a spouse who does not hold the same sovereign power as the monarch.

© 2026 English Reference