vixen

American  

[vik-suhn] / ˈvɪk sən /

noun

1. a female fox.

2. an ill-tempered or quarrelsome woman.

   Synonyms:

   termagant, harpy, virago, scold, shrew

3. a woman considered to be sexually attractive.

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vixen British  

/ ˈvɪksən /

noun

1. a female fox

2. a quarrelsome or spiteful woman

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Other Word Forms

• vixenish adjective
• vixenishly adverb
• vixenishness noun
• vixenly adjective

Etymology

Origin of vixen

First recorded in 1375–1425; southern late Middle English, replacing earlier northern Middle English fixen, from Old English fyxe, feminine of fox fox (compare fyxen “pertaining to a fox,” Old High German fuhsin “vixen”)

Example Sentences

Taking these roles together, especially “Friendship” and “The Dutchman,” in one of them you’re this put-upon wife and the other one you’re this whirlwind, demonic vixen.

From Los Angeles Times

To prepare for her role as a calculating vixen in the miniseries “Fresno,” a satire of television’s popular evening soaps, Teri Garr had to force herself to do something she had never done before.

From Los Angeles Times

"This vixen had taken up residence in an electricity substation after being pushed out of her parental territory," says Withyman.

From BBC

The high-pitched wails heard in winter are usually made by vixens as they try to summon a mate.

From BBC

Waters’ muse Divine, the drag performer who was transfixing on screen whether playing a criminal vixen or a put-upon suburban mom, passed away in 1988.

From Los Angeles Times