dominatrix

American  

[dom-uh-ney-triks] / ˌdɒm əˈneɪ trɪks /

noun

plural

dominatrices

1. a woman who plays the dominant role in a BDSM sexual encounter or relationship, often in a paid or professional capacity.

2. a woman who dominates, oppresses, or behaves in a dictatorial way.

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dominatrix British  

/ ˌdɒmɪˈneɪtrɪks /

noun

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

2. a dominant woman

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Gender

See -trix.

Etymology

Origin of dominatrix

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

Example Sentences

And Game Of Thrones star Maisie Williams plays "the face of punk", the iconoclastic model and actress Pamela Rooke, whose signature style - ripped fishnets, dominatrix heels and raccoon-like eye make-up - defined the scene.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2021

I have watched her in her various incarnations – gobby, rosary-draped urchin, corset-clad dominatrix, wayward cowgirl, hot yoga mom – with a mixture of curiosity, amusement and awe.

From The Guardian • Aug. 15, 2018

But Margaret Corvid, a U.K.-based writer and professional dominatrix, rejects the notion that women should bear the burden of stopping violence mostly perpetrated by men.

From MSNBC • Dec. 4, 2015

A leathery dominatrix holding hands with a unicorn wished me, using the customary parlance, a happy Beltane.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2015

Mabel Simmons — known as Madea to her extended family, and to millions of Tyler Perry devotees — is a dominatrix of tough love.

From Time • Apr. 24, 2011