WordGarden.iofemale
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈiːmeɪl/
US
- /ˈfiˌmeɪl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to women, girls, or female people
of the sex or reproductive structure that produces eggs or can bear offspring
having a recessed or receiving part made to fit a matching male part
Noun
a female person, especially a woman or girl
a female animal or plant
Beyond the definition
The word "female" is used for the sex that can produce eggs or give birth in people, animals, and many other living things. In everyday English, it can also describe women and girls. You may see it in phrases like "female athlete," "female doctor," or "female students."
It is often used as an adjective, especially in science, medicine, and formal writing. As a noun, it can mean a woman, girl, or a female animal, but when it is used for a person, some speakers feel it sounds too formal or cold. In many everyday situations, words like "woman" or "girl" sound more natural.
"Female" can be an adjective or a noun. At its core, it refers to the sex that produces eggs. In humans and animals, it often describes the sex that can give birth or lay eggs. Because of that, the word is common in biology, medicine, and descriptions of animals. You might read about a female bird, a female patient, or female reproductive organs.
In everyday English, "female" is also used to describe women and girls, especially in formal or written contexts. For example, people say "female employees," "female characters," or "female candidates." In these cases, it means "relating to women or girls." The matching word is often "male."
There is also a difference in tone between the adjective and the noun. As an adjective, the word is normal and common: "a female student" or "female athletes." As a noun for a person, it can sound formal, scientific, or impolite in casual conversation. Saying "a woman" or "a girl" is often more natural when you are talking about a person. For animals, however, the noun is very common, as in "the female protects its young."
So, this word is useful in both science and everyday language, but context matters. It can describe sex in a biological sense, and it can also describe women and girls in a general sense. Choosing it carefully helps your English sound clear and natural.
Examples
- 1
School staff
The school hired two new female teachers this year.
- 2
Voice
I heard a female voice calling my name.
- 3
Research
The study included both male and female participants.
- 4
Forms
On the form, select male or female.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Animal biology
In this species, the females are larger than the males.
- 6
Witness description
The witness described the driver as a female in her twenties.
- Caution
"female" as a noun for a person is very formal and can sound impersonal
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- femalenounadjective
Forms
- femalespluralnounadjective