female
female
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "female" is /ˈfiː.meɪl/.
fe: /ˈfiː/
male: /meɪl/
Word Form Variations
Noun: female (singular), females (plural)
Adjective: female
Adverb: (No direct adverb form; 'femininely' is related but from 'feminine')
Verb: (No direct verb form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Female
A person's or animal's sex that is capable of bearing offspring or producing eggs. ♀️
Synonyms: woman, girl, lady, she (as pronoun), hen (for birds), mare (for horses)
Antonyms: male, man, boy, he (as pronoun)
Adjective
Female
Belonging to or characteristic of the sex that is capable of bearing offspring or producing eggs.
Synonyms: feminine, womanly, girlish, distaff, she- (in compounds like 'she-wolf')
Antonyms: male, masculine, manly, boyish
Examples of Use
Books
Biology/Zoology Textbooks: These extensively discuss "female" reproductive systems or behavioral patterns. For example, a biology textbook might detail "the reproductive cycle of the female mammal" (McGraw-Hill, January 2023). Ornithology guides describe how to identify "female birds" by their plumage.
Fiction: Authors often describe characters as "female" or discuss "female experiences." "The protagonist was a strong, independent female character." Historical novels might portray the lives of female pioneers.
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists report on issues affecting "female" populations or highlight achievements by female individuals. A headline might read, "New Initiatives Aim to Support Female Entrepreneurs" (The Wall Street Journal, June 2025). Sports sections often cover "female athletes" and their competitions.
Health Sections: Articles frequently discuss "female health issues" or medical research focused on the female body.
Obituaries: Might note the passing of "a remarkable female leader."
Online Publications
Health and Wellness Sites: Many online resources cater to "female health," discussing topics like "female hormones" or "female fitness."
Blogs/Magazines: Lifestyle blogs often feature articles on "female empowerment" or style guides for "female fashion." "Tips for female travelers."
Social Media: Users and organizations share content celebrating "female role models" or discussing "female perspectives" on various issues. Campaigns like "International Female Day" are widely promoted.
E-commerce: Clothing and product listings specify "for female" or "unisex." Pet supplies might distinguish between food for "male dogs" and "female dogs."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters are identified as "male" or "female." Discussions might revolve around "strong female leads" or the representation of "female characters" in media. Documentaries often highlight the struggles and triumphs of female figures in history.
Video Games: Players can often choose between male and "female" characters. Game lore might discuss the roles of "female warriors" or leaders in fictional societies.
Music: Song lyrics sometimes reference "female power" or the beauty of the "female form."
Podcasts: Discussions on societal topics frequently include panels or interviews with "female experts" or explore "female perspectives on leadership."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people might discuss "female friends," "female teachers," or the different experiences of being male versus female. "Do you have any female siblings?"
Workplace: Discussions often involve ensuring equal opportunities for female employees or addressing gender balance in teams. "We need to recruit more female engineers."
Education: Teachers might talk about "female scientists" or the contributions of female artists throughout history.
Public Speeches: Advocates often use the term when discussing gender equality or the rights of female individuals globally.
10 Quotes Using Female
"The future is female." (Popular Slogan)
"Every female possesses an inherent strength unique to her being."
"The intricate complexities of the female spirit are boundless."
"To truly understand humanity, one must appreciate the diverse experiences of the female."
"A powerful female voice can profoundly reshape the narratives of society."
"The biological resilience of the female form is truly remarkable."
"The nurturing instinct is a profound female characteristic, often undervalued."
"A confident female knows her worth and stands firm in her convictions."
"The intellectual contributions of the female mind are immeasurable and ongoing."
"Every female journey is a testament to perseverance and grace."
Etymology
The word "female" comes from the Old French word "femelle," which meant "a woman" or "a girl." This, in turn, derived from the Latin word "femella," a diminutive of "femina," meaning "woman."
The first known use of "female" in English, with the meaning of "a woman" or "a girl," dates back to the late 13th century. It appeared in texts referring specifically to the sex that is capable of bearing offspring, for both humans and animals.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Female
Female gaze: The perspective in art or media that represents the world and women from a feminine, often feminist, viewpoint. "Many modern films are exploring the female gaze in their storytelling."
Female empowerment: The process of increasing the social, economic, political, and spiritual strength of women. "International organizations champion female empowerment initiatives worldwide."
Female-headed household: A household where a woman is the primary economic provider and decision-maker. "Sociologists study trends in female-headed households."
Female intuition: A common belief that women have a particularly strong ability to understand things instinctively. "She relied on her female intuition to guide her decision."
Female solidarity: Unity or agreement of feeling or action among women, especially in support of a cause. "The march was a powerful display of female solidarity."
Alpha female: A dominant and assertive female in a social group. "In some animal species, there is a clear alpha female."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of female from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
