Richelieu refers to a French noble title and, most famously, Cardinal Richelieu, a 17th‑century statesman who shaped French policy. In modern usage it denotes the surname of that figure or places named after him. The term carries historical prestige and often appears in literary, historical, and artistic contexts. Pronunciation emphasizes the final vowel and the second syllable’s E-sound rather than a hard “klee” ending.
Full pronunciation guide
