adj
Uncommon
nee
nay
Nee (adj) means used before a woman's maiden name to show the name she was born with, before marriage. Example: “Mrs. Sarah Clarke, née Thompson, gave the opening speech.”
adj
1
Used before a woman's maiden name to show the name she was born with, before marriage.
"Mrs. Sarah Clarke, née Thompson, gave the opening speech."
How to use nee
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPlaced before someone's birth surname, typically a woman's maiden name.
Common mistake
Traditionally used for women's maiden names; using it for a man's birth name ("né") is far rarer and uses a different spelling.
Common pairings
née Smith
formerly known as
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like nee.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
Etymology
Borrowed from French née, the feminine past participle of naître ("to be born").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for nee
See all rhymes for nee →Frequently asked questions
What does “nee” mean?
The word “nee” means used before a woman's maiden name to show the name she was born with, before marriage. In plain terms, placed before someone's birth surname, typically a woman's maiden name.
How do you pronounce “nee”?
“Nee” is pronounced nay (/neɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “nee” in a sentence?
Here is “nee” used in a sentence: “Mrs. Sarah Clarke, née Thompson, gave the opening speech.”
What part of speech is “nee”?
“Nee” is an adjective.
Where does the word “nee” come from?
The word “nee” comes from French. Borrowed from French née, the feminine past participle of naître ("to be born").
Is “nee” a common word?
“Nee” is an uncommon word in modern English.
