noun
temptress
TEHMP-trehs
Temptress (noun) means a woman who deliberately uses her charm or attractiveness to lure or manipulate someone. Example: “In the film, she plays a temptress who lures the detective off the case.”
noun
1
A woman who deliberately uses her charm or attractiveness to lure or manipulate someone.
"In the film, she plays a temptress who lures the detective off the case."
How to use temptress
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA seductive woman who lures people (usually men) into doing what she wants.
When to use it
A somewhat old-fashioned, often literary or cinematic term; can sound dated or loaded in everyday speech.
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Word forms
- Plural
- temptresses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the film, she plays a _____ who lures the detective off the case.
Etymology
From tempter + the feminine suffix -ess.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “temptress” mean?
The word “temptress” means a woman who deliberately uses her charm or attractiveness to lure or manipulate someone. In plain terms, a seductive woman who lures people (usually men) into doing what she wants.
How do you pronounce “temptress”?
“Temptress” is pronounced TEHMP-trehs (/ˈtɛmp.tɹɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “temptress” in a sentence?
Here is “temptress” used in a sentence: “In the film, she plays a temptress who lures the detective off the case.”
What part of speech is “temptress”?
“Temptress” is a noun.
