female 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfē-ˌmāl How to pronounce female (audio)
Definition of femalenext
as in feminine
of, relating to, or marked by qualities traditionally associated with women the composer's new music calls for female voices

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

female

2 of 2

noun

as in lady
an adult female human being researchers are looking for females aged 50 to 70 to take part in the study

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of female
Adjective
Unlike in Cutud, participants are mostly female faith healers adhering not to vows but to mystic trances and possession. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026 The problem develops when a female fly lays its eggs in open wounds and mucus. — John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
Noun
Tracking down the nasty bug isn’t straightforward as males and females of the parasite swap parts of their DNA to reproduce, meaning their offspring often have different genes. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 8 July 2026 This might ensure that the female’s own genes get passed on, just in case her nesting partner is infertile. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for female
Recent Examples of Synonyms for female
  1. feminine
  2. lady
  3. woman
Adjective
  • For a dainty, feminine knee-high boots outfit with a twist, try out a boho dress with black, burgundy, or brown leather boots.
    — Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 6 July 2026
  • In floriography, the Victorian language of flowers, Walshe notes that pale pink sweet peas represent pure happiness, while Daucus (Queen Anne’s Lace) symbolizes feminine grace, delicacy and sanctuary.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Definition of feminine
Noun
  • Much of this episode focused on Rhaenyra’s uncomfortable interactions with various lords and ladies in King’s Landing, from a hostile High Septon to Lord Corlys Velaryon to her new dragonriders.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Madonna never set out to become a classic British lady of the manor, however, until fate intervened when she was introduced to Hugo Vickers, Cecil Beaton's suave biographer, through a mutual friend in 1998.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026
Definition of lady
Noun
  • When not working, Carson enjoys playing chess, traveling, and cheering on the men's and women's basketball teams at his alma mater, the University of Connecticut.
    — The Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2026
  • The Five Star Weekend (Peacock) Jennifer Garner’s new series, The Five Star Weekend, based on the novel by Elin Hilderbrand, is about a woman who invites friends from her past to visit her luxury Nantucket estate for a weekend of girl stuff.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Definition of woman

Browse Nearby Words

felt up
female
femaleness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Female.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/female. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on female

Nglish: Translation of female for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about female

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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