femme
Americannoun
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femmes
plural
adjective
noun
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a woman or wife
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a lesbian who adopts a feminine role in a relationship
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of femme
First recorded in 1930–35; from French: literally “woman”; see origin at feme
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
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
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
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 ● Jan. 23, 2026
And a public programming lineup tied to the exhibition included self-care workshops, live music by Black femme musicians, plus a diverse showcase of queer stand-up comedians.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2025
"The femme de chamber," an attendant calls out.
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
People who engage in romantic relationships with men — women, femmes, gay men, etc. — are socialized to be ever-forgiving, to have infinite patience and compassion.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026
Black trans femmes have been and currently are at the forefront of social liberation movements, while experiencing unique forms of targeted discrimination, oppression, and violence.
From Science Magazine ● Mar. 14, 2024
"When I look out to the audience and I see women or femmes connecting to it, I think maybe you know," Sawayama says.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2023
“Black trans women and femmes specifically are the most marginalized in our communities,” Patterson said.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 21, 2023
In some of the more daring efforts the femmes suspendues seem to float in the air or rest on the frail support of sprays or branches of trees.
From A History of Pantomime by Broadbent, R. J.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
