adjective
nubile
NOO-bul/ˈnuːbl/
Sexually mature and considered attractive, typically describing a young woman.
The novel introduces a nubile young woman in her twenties.
Etymology
Latin nubilis described a woman considered ready for marriage. The selected English meaning preserves that connection between physical maturity and the social judgment that someone is of a suitable age and condition to marry.
More examples
- The director casts a nubile actress as the romantic lead.
- The advertisement features nubile women posing beside a sports car.
- She dislikes the book's repeated descriptions of nubile young women.
Forms
nubile
Similar words
- sexy
- Describes sexual attractiveness without implying youth or physical maturity.
- alluring
- Suggests a captivating appeal, not necessarily youth or sexual maturity.