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

Ploughing a similar furrow is Israel's Noam Bettan, whose heart has been shredded by a femme fatale called Michelle.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Mexico’s reigning pop princess is entering her femme fatale era.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

In her 2024 Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, Roan is surrounded by seven femme musicians, each wearing red lipstick, blue eyeshadow, a pink button-down or a red party dress.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

Will you be surprised to learn he carries with him a dark secret, or that his estranged wife, as opposed to the radiant daughter of the boat’s skipper, is one doozy of a femme fatale?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

"The femme de chamber," an attendant calls out.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• girl
• mother