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.
She's become a real kind of lioness about both of her teams and that's what's been so lovely to play. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026 The male lion would have a maroon mane, while the lioness would have maroon on her tail and claws, Martinez said. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2026 The last birth was in July 2020, when lioness Abana mothered three cubs. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 21 May 2026 Margo goes feral, leaping over the table like a lioness, desperately clawing the air. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 20 May 2026 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

lionesque
lioness
lionet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lioness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lioness. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lioness

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lioness

Nglish: Translation of lioness for Spanish Speakers

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