feminine

fem-i-nine · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Having qualities or characteristics traditionally associated with women.

  2. 2.

    Of or relating to women.

  3. 3.

    (grammar) Belonging to the gender category that includes most words referring to females in languages with grammatical gender.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    feminine mystique — The idealized image of femininity, particularly from the 1950s-60s
  • •
    feminine wiles — Strategies stereotypically attributed to women
  • •
    feminine rhyme — A rhyme on two or more syllables with the final syllable unstressed

Related words

Antonyms: manly, masculine
See also: female, feminist, masculine
Synonyms: female, ladylike, womanly

Etymology

From Latin femininus ("of a woman, feminine"), from femina ("woman"). Entered English in the 14th century via Old French.