1
: that female
—used to indicate a female person or animal that is the subject of a verb
She is my mother.
Ask your sister where she is going.
She has been planning this trip since January.
(on the telephone) "Hello, I'd like to speak with Jane." "This is she." [=I (the person who answered the phone) am Jane]
2
somewhat old-fashioned
—used to refer to something (such as a ship) that is thought of as having female qualities
She was a fine ship.
: a girl, woman, or female animal
"Somebody called when you were out, but I can't remember who." "Was it a he or a she?"
—sometimes used in combinationa little black she-cat [=a little, black female cat]
Cite this Entry
“She.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/she. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
