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

Thandiwe Newton makes for an excellent reluctant heroine, too. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 May 2025

This collaboration with the oppressor, rather than solidarity with the oppressed, makes Nat a complicated heroine. —Catherine Bray, Variety, 21 May 2025

With plenty of loose ends yet to be wrapped up, Moss, who’s teased big production moments and an emotion-inducing conclusion for the series’ heroine, seems poised to deliver some serious thrills. —Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 21 May 2025

Among the heroines of his telling was Afeni Shakur, who was pregnant with Tupac at the time of the trial. —Ginia Bellafante, New York Times, 16 May 2025

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