lioness

noun

li·​on·​ess ˈlī-ə-nəs How to pronounce lioness (audio)
: a female lion

Examples of lioness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lioness then entered a house and attacked the girl, who was inside with a second teenager. Michael Rios, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025 At another point in the clip, a lioness is filmed brazenly walking past, like a neighbor out for a stroll, in the middle of the day. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 One lioness, spotted on a recent tour, is in just this pose with her jaw gone slack. Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Apr. 2025 The generations of women who paved the way for the thriving 21st-century scene deserve the lioness’s share of the credit. Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lioness

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lioness was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lioness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lioness. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

lioness

noun
li·​on·​ess ˈlī-ə-nəs How to pronounce lioness (audio)
: a female lion

More from Merriam-Webster on lioness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!