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 18th century heroine was was a central actor in helping to save Bonnie Prince Charlie (the Jacobean prince Charles Stuart) from the British forces after his, Charles,’ loss to the British at the Battle of Culloden. —Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

In the popular imagination, romantasy is a heterosexual affair, centered on mortal heroines and their supernatural suitors. —Angelina Mazza, Vulture, 19 June 2026

Larsen was great with kids, drawing one girl into her noir storytelling and making the kid the heroine, but then so were Young and Strange, dry observers and first-rate improvisors both. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2026

Li’s enjoyably dynamic heroine, constantly planning three steps ahead to charm her way into a crucial meeting with Christopher or shake off a ruthless fixer (Lee Jae-yoon), ensures there’s always another big plot turn coming around the bend. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 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