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

The Lebanese designer was inspired by the concept of a heroine for troubled times. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026

Reframing one of literature’s most iconic heroines, the novel positions Van Tassel not as a romantic prize but as the central figure in a dangerous mystery and seductive supernatural love triangle. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

At the root of it all is negligence, which is refuted and embodied by our challenging heroine. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026

And all too soon after that, a certain global pandemic strikes, and the worst thing that can happen to our heroine, well, happens. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Sep. 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