femme

or fem

[ fem ]

noun

1. 1. a lesbian who embraces identity markers that are associated with traditional expressions of femininity, as clothing, hairstyle, interests, or behaviors.
   2. a gay man who embraces identity markers that are associated with traditional expressions of femininity.
   3. any person who adopts a feminine appearance, manner, or persona.

adjective

1. noting or relating to a feminine style or gender expression.

femme

/ fɛm; fam /

noun

1. a woman or wife
2. fɛm a lesbian who adopts a feminine role in a relationship

Word History and Origins

Origin of femme¹

First recorded in 1930–35; from French: literally “woman”; feme

Example Sentences

They are “cougars” Advertisement or ageing femme fatales, like Blanche Du Bois in Tennessee William’s A Streetcar Named Desire, who set a tone for generations as a figure of fun whose desires are twisted, ridiculed, and ultimately punished.

From No Straight News

In today’s Daily Dose, we present you with the fierce new femmes of finance, the hottest money influencers on social media and the game-changing investment whizzes emerging from Malaysia to South Africa.

From Ozy

The updated version differed from the Playboy Playmates and housewives of the ’50s in that its ideal femme also, figuratively if not literally, kicked ass.

From Time

Le Femme Finishing School helps transwomen find their inner beauty, no matter their age.

From The Daily Beast

Yet for all her cred as a femme serieux, Kennedy keeps in close touch with the naughty girl of her past.

From The Daily Beast

The “Fallen Princesses” series is on display at Le Musée de la Femme in Québec.

From The Daily Beast

There is a heist motif running through the film and an amnesia motif and a noirish femme fatale motif too.

From The Daily Beast

Marie Windsor, who is one of the great femme fatales, is in it.

From The Daily Beast

En effet un soir, sa femme et enfans l'abandonnerent entierement, et s'en allerent cabaner ailleurs, pensant que c'en estoit vuid.

From Project Gutenberg

She questioned Madame Vauchelet as to the probable cost of a femme de ménage.

From Project Gutenberg

Je vis M. le Baron d'Holbach environn d'une vieille femme et de deux villageois, l'un vieux comme elle et l'autre jeune.

From Project Gutenberg

Cherchez la femme, said Maitland with evident gratification, counting spoonfuls of tea into the teapot.

From Project Gutenberg

O'Meara, child as she still was, watched what was going on from the corner of her eye and thought: "Comme il aime cette femme!"

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• girl
• mother