Pronunciation: [djˈuːks] (IPA) 
The word "dukes" is spelled as /djuːks/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first letter "d" is pronounced as the consonant sound /d/, followed by the vowel combination "u" and "u" which is pronounced as the diphthong /juː/. Lastly, the letter "k" is pronounced as the velar consonant sound /ks/. This word refers to the highest rank of nobility in the British peerage, just below the royal family.
Dukes, in its most common usage, refers to a plural noun form of the word "duke." A duke is a title of nobility and ranks higher than a marquess but lower than a prince. This term is often associated with a male member of the nobility who holds a hereditary rank within a monarchy. The origin of the word can be traced back to the Latin term "dux," meaning leader or commander.
In a broader sense, "dukes" can also refer to various other entities or concepts. Firstly, it can denote the name of a university, such as Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, known for its esteemed academic and athletic programs. Additionally, "dukes" can function as a plural form of the word "duke" in a geographical context, referring to territories governed by a duke or duchy.
Moreover, "dukes" can be used informally or colloquially to describe our fists or hands when used in a confrontational or defensive manner. This usage often emerges in phrases like "put up your dukes" or "raise your dukes," which imply getting ready for a physical altercation.
To summarize, "dukes" primarily signifies a plural noun form of "duke" pertaining to noble titles within a monarchy, but also extends to other contexts including universities, geographic designations, and informal references to fists or hands.
