heroine

noun

her·​o·​ine ˈher-ə-wən  ˈhir- 

ˈhe-rə-

1

a

: a mythological or legendary woman often of divine descent having great strength or ability

b

: a woman admired and emulated for her achievements and qualities

American heroines such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosa Parks

remembered as the heroine of the flood

2

a

: the principal female character in a literary or dramatic work

the heroine of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

b

: the central female figure in an event or period

Examples of heroine in a Sentence

The town remembered her as the heroine of the flood and erected a statue in her honor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Our heroines must somehow rescue themselves as well as an oblivious third party, while keeping the host unaware of their presence. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026

Undoubtedly, Maggie Gyllenhaal means Frank’s resuscitation of Ida to represent a further exploitation of a heroine who, undeniably, received rough treatment during her actual pre-undead state. —Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

Both actresses portray author Patricia Cornwell's heroine in the new Prime Video series. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026

Maryanne was especially proud of her friendship with cartoonist Dale Messick, the woman who created the newspaper comic strip heroine Brenda Starr, legendary reporter with a flowing red crown of hair and signature sparkle in her eyes. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin heroina, from Greek hērōinē, feminine of hērōs

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for heroine

• heroin

Kids Definition

heroine

noun

her·​o·​ine ˈher-ə-wən 

1

: a woman in legends or myths who has great courage and daring

2

: a woman admired for her achievements and qualities

3

: the chief female figure in a literary work or in an event or period