Dictionary

heroine

noun her·o·ine \ˈher-ə-wən, ˈhir-, ˈhe-rə-\

: a woman who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities

: the chief female character in a story, play, movie, etc.

Full Definition of HEROINE

1
a :  a mythological or legendary woman having the qualities of a hero
b :  a woman admired and emulated for her achievements and qualities
2
a :  the principal female character in a literary or dramatic work
b :  the central female figure in an event or period
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of HEROINE

Latin heroina, from Greek hērōinē, feminine of hērōs
First Known Use: 1609

Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix
HEROINE Defined for Kids

heroine

noun her·o·ine \ˈher-ə-wən\

Definition of HEROINE for Kids

1
:  a woman admired for great deeds or fine qualities <Eleanor Roosevelt is remembered as a heroine during hard times.>
2
:  the chief female character in a story, poem, or play

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: heroismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: heroinAll Words Near: heroine
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears