conductress

[ kuhn-duhk-tris ]

noun

1. a woman who conducts; a female leader, guide, director, or manager.
2. a woman who is employed as a conductor on a bus, train, or other public conveyance.

Gender Note

What's the difference between conductress and conductor? See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of conductress¹

First recorded in 1615–25; conduct(o)r + -ess

Example Sentences

Taking the small, trembling hand offered him, Wyat followed his conductress down the passage.

From Project Gutenberg

When Holmes came in sight of them, his treacherous conductress pointed out that in which the sick woman lay.

From Project Gutenberg

In a conversation, however, with our conductress, we could not bring her to admit that mere humanity had anything to do with it.

From Project Gutenberg

Ellen's conductress looked in first through one of the panes, and then opening the door motioned her to enter.

From Project Gutenberg

I forgot myself and my conductress; my spirit and my eyes were wandering among the shining clouds.

From Project Gutenberg