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.
Crazy intense even for lioness, the opening scenes took the air straight out of my lungs. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Nothing etches itself in your heart quite like the memory of watching a pack of energetic African wild dogs frolicking, a lioness and her cubs dozing on the Kalahari with your own kids tucked in close. — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 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 Sekhmet, an Egyptian lioness goddess and Begtse, a Mongolian war deity, plus a six-legged cat that can fly are all enemies Faye will encounter. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 June 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 16 Aug. 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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