dominatrix

[ dom-uh-ney-triks ]

noun

, plural dom·i·na·tri·ces [dom-, uh, -, ney, -tr, uh, -seez, -n, uh, -, trahy, -seez].

1. a woman who plays the dominant role in a BDSM sexual encounter or relationship, often in a paid or professional capacity. dominant ( def 7 ), domme ( def ), femdom ( def 2 ).
2. a woman who dominates, oppresses, or behaves in a dictatorial way.

dominatrix

/ ˌdɒmɪˈneɪtrɪks /

noun

1. a woman who is the dominant sexual partner in a sadomasochistic relationship
2. a dominant woman

Gender Note

See -trix.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominatrix¹

First recorded in 1555–65; Latin: literally, “female ruler, mistress”; dominate, -trix

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominatrix¹

C16: from Latin, fem of dominātor , from dominārī to be lord over

Example Sentences

What Nick wanted in a partner was a wife and a dominatrix in one.

From Los Angeles Times

The actress also talked about being a dominatrix as a teenager - she said it was "such a self-esteem booster" and made her see her worth "a little bit more".

From BBC

By 18, she is working as a dominatrix under the name Valentina, flaunting her talent for revenge by depositing her waste in the locker of a colleague who destroyed her Jimmy Choos.

From Los Angeles Times

Miss Mae Ling, who uses a stage name and has been in the kink lifestyle for 10 years and a professional dominatrix for three, found out about the event via Mara’s Instagram account.

From Los Angeles Times

They’re entertaining, for one, having long settled into roles that feed their public profiles and public relations: She’s the money-grubbing dominatrix while he alternately cowers, begs for her attention and upstages her.

From New York Times