lioness

noun

li·​on·​ess ˈlī-ə-nəs How to pronounce lioness (audio)
: a female lion

Examples of lioness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Over several days in the country, the trip — Stefano Ricci’s ninth — spanned the Tarangire region guarded by the Maasai, and the Serengeti national park with its rich wildlife, including leopards and families of lions and lionesses and their cubs appearing in campaign imagery. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 26 May 2026 Others appearing include podcaster GK Barry, Portsmouth FC’s Ella Rutherford, England lioness star and Strictly Come Dancing winner Karen Carney, TV presenter Roman Kemp, comedian Grace Campbell and presenter and DJ Harriet Rose. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 May 2026 Margo goes feral, leaping over the table like a lioness, desperately clawing the air. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 20 May 2026 The other is Asante, a 22-year-old lioness at the Topeka Zoo in Kansas. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lioness

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lioness was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Lioness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lioness. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

lioness

noun
li·​on·​ess ˈlī-ə-nəs How to pronounce lioness (audio)
: a female lion

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