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giantess

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /dʒˈaɪəntˌɛs/

US

  • /ˈd͡ʒaɪəntɛs/noun

Description

The word "giantess" usually refers to a female giant, the kind you meet in myths, fairy tales, and fantasy stories. It brings to mind someone far bigger than an ordinary human, often strong, powerful, and a little frightening. You will often see giantesses in stories beside giants, as rulers, enemies, mothers, or magical beings. The word has a strongly mythical feel, so people do not often use it for a real woman, even if she is unusually tall. In Norse mythology, for example, female Jotnar are important and powerful figures.

Examples

  1. 1

    Folktale

    In the folktale, a giantess lived alone on the far side of the mountain.

    • Usage

      usually used in myths, fairy tales, and fantasy

  2. 2

    Story rescue

    The children in the story are rescued by a kind giantess who hides them in her kitchen.

  3. 3

    Modern retellings

    Modern retellings often portray the giantess as a tragic character rather than a monster.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • giantessnoun

Forms

  • giantessespluralnoun