# lordship

/ˈɫɔɹdʃɪp/ (US) · /lˈɔːdʃɪp/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lordship
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a title used when speaking to or about a man with a high social rank, like a judge or a lord. People sometimes use it to joke about a man who is acting too important.

For teachers: a title of address or reference for a man of noble rank or certain high-ranking officials, such as judges. Often used ironically or sarcastically to mock someone acting in an arrogant or entitled manner.

## Examples

- His lordship will see you in the library now.
- The defense attorney addressed the judge as 'your lordship' throughout the lengthy trial proceedings.
- After he demanded that his tea be served at exactly sixty degrees, his roommates began mockingly referring to him as 'his lordship' whenever he entered the kitchen.

## Usage notes

- Capitalised when used as a formal title of address ('Your Lordship') or reference ('His Lordship').

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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.