femme

American  

[fem] / fɛm /

Or fem

noun

1. 1. a lesbian who embraces identity markers that are associated with traditional expressions of femininity, as clothing, hairstyle, interests, or behaviors.

   2. a gay man who embraces identity markers that are associated with traditional expressions of femininity.

   3. any person who adopts a feminine appearance, manner, or persona.

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adjective

1. noting or relating to a feminine style or gender expression.

femme British  

/ fam, fɛm /

noun

1. a woman or wife

2. a lesbian who adopts a feminine role in a relationship

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Etymology

Origin of femme

First recorded in 1930–35; from French: literally “woman”; see origin at feme

Example Sentences

Ploughing a similar furrow is Israel's Noam Bettan, whose heart has been shredded by a femme fatale called Michelle.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

In her 2024 Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, Roan is surrounded by seven femme musicians, each wearing red lipstick, blue eyeshadow, a pink button-down or a red party dress.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

While many international productions of “Carmen” have historically minimized Spain by centering its titular femme fatale, Hindoyan said this version puts the Mediterranean country back in the picture.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

But facts were easily eclipsed by lurid speculation, particularly when Short’s nickname was made public: The Black Dahlia was, after all, the perfect moniker for a femme fatale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

“Le Christ et la femme adultère,” I read.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

Related Words

• girl
• mother