virago

[ vi-rah-goh, -rey- ]

noun

, plural vi·ra·goes, vi·ra·gos.

1. a loud-voiced, ill-tempered, scolding woman; shrew.

   Synonyms: Xanthippe, harpy, termagant, nag, scold

2. Archaic. a woman of strength or spirit.

virago

/ vɪˈrɑːɡəʊ; vɪˈrædʒɪnəs /

noun

1. a loud, violent, and ill-tempered woman; scold; shrew
2. archaic.
   a strong, brave, or warlike woman; amazon

Derived Forms

• viˈrago-ˌlike, adjective
• viraginous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of virago¹

before 1000; Middle English, Old English < Latin virāgō, equivalent to vir man + -āgō suffix expressing association of some kind, here resemblance

Word History and Origins

Origin of virago¹

Old English, from Latin: a manlike maiden, from vir a man

Example Sentences

Meredith is a stereotypical virago updated with modern libertarian notions.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether the mark is worth hitting is another matter; a comic duet that pits aging, carping viragos against each other in the manner of “Bosom Buddies” from “Mame” is not perhaps a feminist anthem.

From New York Times

Ms. Boycott chose the name — a virago is defined both as a strong, heroic woman and as a harpy — and it fit the mission, and perhaps also Ms. Callil’s persona.

From New York Times

The character's very name is a shorthand for manipulative viragos.

From Salon

Despite the work’s title, Dejanira is the one who dominates the action, evolving through seven arias from impatient wife to imperious virago to despairing murderer.

From New York Times