Queen: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to a female sovereign or the wife of a king. It can also be used metaphorically for someone who excels in a particular role.

• Queen Elizabeth II has been the queen of England for many decades.
• She is the queen of pop music.

Used to refer to a sole and absolute ruler of a state or country, can be a king, queen, emperor, or empress.

• The monarch resides in the palace.
• The monarch's decision is final in the kingdom.

Used to refer to someone who governs or commands a country or territory, not necessarily a monarch. It emphasizes the act of ruling more than the title itself.

• The ruler imposed new laws on the citizens.
• A wise ruler should always listen to their subjects.

Used to describe a supreme ruler, especially a monarch. It emphasizes independence and ultimate authority.

• The country gained independence and became a sovereign nation.
• The sovereign has the power to declare war.

When talking about chess, the queen is the most powerful piece on the board, capable of moving any number of squares vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

• He sacrificed his queen to set up a checkmate.
• The queen dominated the center of the board.

Use 'chess piece' for general conversations about any of the tokens used in the game of chess, including all figures like pawns, knights, and so on.

• He picked up a chess piece and carefully considered his next move.
• The handmade chess pieces were beautifully carved.

This is a more archaic and less common term specifically referring to any of the pieces in the game of chess. It might be used in literature or historical discussions.

• The old chess set had a few chessmen missing.
• He skillfully moved his chessman across the board.