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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Viral videos of the attack showed the lioness, Leona, lying next to the glass separating her from visitors, who gasp in shock as the teen shimmies down a tree. CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025 Following Machado’s death, Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara shared an update on the lioness in a news release on Instagram. Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025 Top headlines Check this out 📸 Freeze-frame: A lioness facing down a cobra. Meghan Pryce, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025 Two lionesses from one pride and a young male from another, were captured in North Luangwa National Park, 250 miles away, flown to Nsumbu, and housed in a holding boma (large enclosure) to acclimatize before release. Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025 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 3 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

lioness

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lioness

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