tragedienne

[ truh-jee-dee-en ]

noun

1. an actress especially noted for performing tragic roles.

Gender Note

See -enne.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tragedienne¹

1850–55; < French, feminine of tragédien tragedian

Example Sentences

That O’Hara’s Williamstown production was to star McDonald, our leading vocal tragedienne — in a part that, though spoken, seems like one long, ascendant aria — made this “Streetcar” a must-see event of the summer.

From New York Times

After arriving in Paris, she scrounged for work and food while taking acting classes with the ambition of becoming a great stage tragedienne.

From Washington Post

Four years later she won a Tony for best actress in one of her most acclaimed roles, that of Medea, underlining her credentials as one of theatre's leading tragediennes.

From BBC

“I’m a tragedienne in some way,” Ms. Wilson said between measured sips of a cappuccino.

From New York Times

For some reason, I was born with the ability to be a tragedienne and a comedian.”

From Washington Post