Search Dictionary
Definition of lioness

lioness

/ˈlaɪ.ə.nəs/
li · on · ess
Plural:lionesses
JUMP TO:

lioness Lexical Profile

lioness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A female lion, a large social carnivorous mammal of the family Felidae native to sub-Saharan Africa and western India, characterized by a tawny coat, the absence of a mane, and its primary role in hunting for the pride.

Example

"The documentary footage showed a patient lioness stalking a herd of gazelles across the dry savanna."

2

A fierce, courageous, or fiercely protective woman, or a woman who is celebrated and admired in society.

Example

"She defended her children like a lioness whenever anyone questioned their integrity."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for lioness

• Rhymes for lioness

• Nearby Words

linz
lion
lionel
lioness
lionfish
lionhead cichlid
lionhead goldfish

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French lionesse, formed from lion and the feminine suffix -esse.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lioness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lioness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.