lioness

noun

li·​on·​ess ˈlī-ə-nəs How to pronounce lioness (audio)
: a female lion

Examples of lioness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Top headlines Check this out 📸 Freeze-frame: A lioness facing down a cobra. Meghan Pryce, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025 Genesis Rodriguez, who plays season two’s lioness — elite operatives sent on undercover missions — flew the bird herself. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025 The nighttime photo showed an adult female lion and was the first time a lioness had been seen at the park since 2019, WCS said. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2025 The zoo previously confirmed Khalila was one of two Barbary lionesses to have arrived at the park back in 2018. Becca Longmire, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lioness

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lioness was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Lioness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lioness. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

lioness

noun
li·​on·​ess ˈlī-ə-nəs How to pronounce lioness (audio)
: a female lion

More from Merriam-Webster on lioness

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