heroine

[ her-oh-in ]
/ ˈhɛr oʊ ɪn /

noun

a woman noted for courageous acts or nobility of character: Esther and other biblical heroines.
a woman who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal: Name two women who have been heroines in your life.
the principal female character in a story, play, film, etc.
Compare hero(defs 1–3).

Origin of heroine

1650–60; < Latin hērōīnē < Greek hērōī́nē, feminine of hḗrōs hero; see -ine2

usage note for heroine

See hero.

OTHER WORDS FROM heroine

su·per·her·o·ine, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH heroine

heroin heroine

Example sentences from the Web for heroine

British Dictionary definitions for heroine

heroine
/ (ˈhɛrəʊɪn) /

noun

a woman possessing heroic qualities
a woman idealized for possessing superior qualities
the main female character in a novel, play, film, etc