female

fe-male · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Of or relating to the sex that can bear offspring or produce eggs.

  2. 2.

    A female person, animal, or plant.

  3. 3.

    Relating to women or girls.

  4. 4.

    (technical) Having a hollow or recessed part designed to receive a corresponding male part.

Forms

plural: females

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    female empowerment — The promotion of women's rights and influence
  • •
    female lead — A woman in the main role

Related words

Antonyms: male, masculine
See also: females, feminine, woman
Synonyms: feminine, womanly

Etymology

From Old French femelle ("female"), from Latin femella ("young woman, girl"), diminutive of femina ("woman"). The spelling was altered in the 14th century by association with "male," though the words are etymologically unrelated.