femme

American  

[fem] / fɛm /

Or 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.

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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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Etymology

Origin of femme

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

While many international productions of “Carmen” have historically minimized Spain by centering its titular femme fatale, Hindoyan said this version puts the Mediterranean country back in the picture.

From Los Angeles Times

But facts were easily eclipsed by lurid speculation, particularly when Short’s nickname was made public: The Black Dahlia was, after all, the perfect moniker for a femme fatale.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

“Sometimes I can be this femme fatale, sometimes I can be super sporty, sometimes I can pop up to Paige on set and be super goth and she’s like ‘What are you wearing?’ and I’m just like, ‘Oh, please.’

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• girl
• mother