femme

American  

[fem] / fɛm /

Or fem

noun

femmes plural

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.

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adjective

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

femme British  

/ fam, fɛm /

noun

1. a woman or wife

2. a lesbian who adopts a feminine role in a relationship

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• femmes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of femme

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

Example Sentences

The director, best known for his muscular action thrillers “La Femme Nikita” and “Léon: The Professional,” is often given to extravagantly silly filmmaking: “The Fifth Element,” “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

But a new revival from La Femme Theater at the Signature Center mires itself too deeply in its characters’ confusions to let the edges of his language shine.

From New York Times • Dec. 26, 2023

Picasso's 1932 masterpiece, Femme A La Montre, depicts his "golden muse" Marie-Therese Walter, a woman who formed the subject of many of his paintings.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2023

Dec. 4 and 8 ‘L.A. Woman All Femme Revue Holiday Spectacular’ An old-school variety show with some modern twists.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2022

If so, she will not translate "La Femme" as "Woman," but as "grisette," "lorette," or "camelia lady."

From The Orpheus C. Kerr Papers. Series 2 by Newell, R. H. (Robert Henry)

Related Words

• girl
• mother