Riches means great wealth or valuable possessions. When someone has riches, they own far more money, property, or precious things than most people do. A king might have riches including gold, jewels, and vast lands. A tech entrepreneur who builds a successful company might accumulate riches beyond what she ever imagined.

The word carries a sense of abundance and plenty that extends beyond money alone. A library full of fascinating books might be called a treasure trove of riches. A forest rich with wildlife and beautiful streams contains natural riches. When your grandmother tells stories from her long life, you might think of them as riches she's sharing with you.

People sometimes say “rags to riches” to describe someone who started with nothing and became wealthy through hard work and determination. The phrase reminds us that riches can be earned rather than simply inherited.

The word can sound a bit old-fashioned or literary compared to just saying “wealth” or “money.” When a novel describes a merchant's riches or a pirate's stolen riches, it adds a sense of abundance and even glamour to the idea of wealth.