# viscount

/ˈvɪskaʊnt/ (US) · /vˈaɪkaʊnt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a person who has a high social rank in certain countries, like the UK. This rank is below an earl or count but above a baron.

For teachers: a title of nobility in the British peerage and other European systems, ranking immediately below an earl and above a baron. Often used as a formal address for the son of an earl before he inherits the main title.

## Examples

- The viscount lives in a large house in the countryside.
- The viscount attended the royal ceremony representing one of the oldest noble families in the region.
- Historical records indicate that the viscount was instrumental in negotiating the treaty, leveraging his social standing to bridge the gap between the local gentry and the crown.

## Usage notes

- When used as a title before a name, it is capitalized (e.g., Viscount Nelson).

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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.