noun

femme

A woman, especially in French-influenced usage.

The magazine presents the Parisian femme as confident and stylish.

Etymology

French femme means woman or wife. English retains the French word in expressions and usages where that linguistic or cultural association is useful.

More examples

  • She plays a mysterious femme fatale in the new thriller.
  • The collection offers tailored jackets for the modern femme.
  • The fashion column profiles three stylish femmes from Paris.

Forms

femme · femmes

Similar words

woman
The ordinary English term, without a French stylistic association.
lady
Often conveys politeness or refinement rather than French influence.