female 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfē-ˌmāl How to pronounce female (audio)
Definition of femalenext
as in feminine
of, relating to, or marked by qualities traditionally associated with women the composer's new music calls for female voices

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

female

2 of 2

noun

as in lady
an adult female human being researchers are looking for females aged 50 to 70 to take part in the study

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of female
Adjective
The encounter began when Todd and Elvia Malcolm spotted a female moose near the edge of the woods in Telos Township, Maine, and pulled over hoping to snap a photo. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Keli Gonzalez, a painter the museum commissioned, became frustrated by the lack of female representation. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Noun
In many cases, males blink about every five seconds while searching for females and females respond with flashes of their own about every two seconds. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026 Eala is the first Filipino player, male or female, to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles tournament. — ABC News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for female
Recent Examples of Synonyms for female
  1. feminine
  2. lady
  3. woman
Adjective
  • The juxtaposition of the apex masculinity of the professional athlete with traditionally feminine signifiers of the luxury handbag does seem to short circuit something in the wider culture.
    — Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The brand's elevated styles are heavily marked down right now, including the feminine Lace Midi Dress at 57 percent off and the flattering Colorblock High-rise Riley Trousers at 54 percent off.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of feminine
Noun
  • Much of this episode focused on Rhaenyra’s uncomfortable interactions with various lords and ladies in King’s Landing, from a hostile High Septon to Lord Corlys Velaryon to her new dragonriders.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Madonna never set out to become a classic British lady of the manor, however, until fate intervened when she was introduced to Hugo Vickers, Cecil Beaton's suave biographer, through a mutual friend in 1998.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026
Definition of lady
Noun
  • Hiltz competes in women’s events, but identifies as non-binary and transgender, using they/them pronouns.
    — Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Miki Sudo defended her title as well in the women’s division.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of woman

Browse Nearby Words

felt up
female
femaleness
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Cite this Entry

“Female.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/female. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on female

Nglish: Translation of female for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about female

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