# peerage

/ˈpɪɹədʒ/ (US) · /pˈiəɹɪdʒ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/peerage
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

the group of people who have high social or political rank, like lords and ladies in the UK. It can also mean the process of being judged by people of the same rank.

For teachers: the body of persons holding a title of nobility, such as a lord or lady. In a legal context, it refers to the right of a person of high rank to be tried by their equals.

## Examples

- He was granted a title and entered the peerage.
- The new legislation was debated in the House of Lords, a key part of the British peerage.
- While the modern peerage has lost much of its political power, it remains a significant symbol of the country's historical social hierarchy and legal traditions.

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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.