Negress

[ nee-gris ]

/ ˈni grɪs /

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noun Older Use: Usually Offensive.

a term used to refer to a Black woman or girl.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Negress

First recorded in 1780–90; from French négresse; see origin at Negro, -ess

usage note for Negress

See -ess.

Words nearby Negress

negotiable, negotiable instrument, negotiant, negotiate, negotiation, Negress, Negri body, Negrillo, Negri Sembilan, Negritic, Negrito

How to use Negress in a sentence

“NEGRESS PILOTS AIRPLANE,” a New York Times headline proclaimed in amazement.
Red Tails Overlooks the Story of America’s First Black Pilots|Marc Wortman|January 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It comes to me now that I did not see a young negress in the whole town, but this was explained on our return to the ship.
Gardens of the Caribbees, v. 1/2|Ida May Hill Starr
On hearing this story, the wicked and envious negress conceived an abominable idea.
Laboulaye's Fairy Book|Various
When the negress's turn came she approached without suspicion, and did not recognize the fairy.
Laboulaye's Fairy Book|Various

The fairy raised the negress, who kissed her hands, weeping; then they all sat down to the table.
Laboulaye's Fairy Book|Various
What, Lucy, do you think because Myra was born in Hayti that she is a little negress with crinkley wool?
A Roving Commission|G. A. Henty

British Dictionary definitions for Negress

Negress

/ (ˈniːɡrɪs) /

noun

a female Black person

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012