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

Meaning: Youthful Origin: Latin, French Alternative Spellings & Variations: Juliette Ophelia The Hamlet heroine may meet a tragic fate, but the name itself is lovely. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 14 Oct. 2024

Explore the parallels between Rain and the iconic franchise heroine, Ripley and learn how filmmakers brought back a face from the past. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 11 Oct. 2024

And there, right above the fold, was a photograph of that very heroine: Frances Oldham Kelsey. —Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2024

Like Charlize Theron in Fury Road, this heroine barely speaks, but her performance is a marvel of grace and physicality. —Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin heroina, from Greek hērōinē, feminine of hērōs

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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