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

Elle initially appears to be a mirror of Eva, but as the young heroine develops an unexpected affinity for Seattle, the differences between the mother-daughter duo become more apparent and a source of friction. — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

In The Other Bennet Sister’s version of Regency England, not one but two suitors end up emerging from a lake in clingy wet shirts, though the heroine is not as effortlessly winsome as the subjects of other Austen adaptations tend to be. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 June 2026

The standalone super-flick starring Milly Alcock as the titular heroine didn't bomb, but its $38 million domestic and $68 million global takes (per Rentrak) fall short of both projections and pricey budgetary estimates. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 June 2026

The audience and the other participants go to great lengths each season to insure the safety of the few indefatigable girls who impress us with their authenticity and make full use of their latitude to become tragic heroines. — Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 27 June 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