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 character was a fan favorite as the antagonist to the series’ upstanding heroine Viki Lord, played by Erika Slezak. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 May 2026

The vibe for blonde hair colors this season is less surfer girl, more rom-com heroine. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 10 May 2026

Ruth is an extraordinary heroine, rock-solid strong in a completely unshowy, sincere, vulnerable way. —Literary Hub, 7 May 2026

If Charlotte Lucas is the series’ most unexpected villains, Caroline Bingley (Tanya Reynolds) is its most unexpected heroine. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 May 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