noun
Xena
ZEE-nuh
Xena (noun) means Informally, a tough, confident, physically strong woman — from the TV warrior character Xena. Example: “She handled the whole crisis like an absolute Xena.”
noun
1
Informally, a tough, confident, physically strong woman — from the TV warrior character Xena.
"She handled the whole crisis like an absolute Xena."
"She is a beautiful woman, the result of a family tree that includes African and Irish blood. But there's no getting around her five-eleven frame and muscular body. The rest of her staff calls her Xena. She likes that."
— Melissa Jacobs, Lexi James and the Council of Girlfriends (2005)
""Okay, Xena," he said, taking the rope from Haley and tugging the branch toward the back door. "You push, and we'll get this outside.""
— Judith Arnold, Muriel Jensen (2001)
"Julian shook his head at her brazenness. "That's okay, I believe you. You are a regular Xena.""
— Elaine Overton, Promises of the Heart (2006)
How to use Xena
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA nickname-like way to describe a fierce, capable woman, referencing the fictional warrior.
When to use it
Informal and pop-culture-based — mainly used in casual speech.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Xenas
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She handled the whole crisis like an absolute _____.
Etymology
Popularized by the 1990s television show Xena: Warrior Princess; the name itself is likely a variant of Xenia, from Greek xenía, "hospitable."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Xena
See all rhymes for Xena →Frequently asked questions
What does “Xena” mean?
The word “Xena” means informally, a tough, confident, physically strong woman — from the TV warrior character Xena. In plain terms, a nickname-like way to describe a fierce, capable woman, referencing the fictional warrior.
How do you pronounce “Xena”?
“Xena” is pronounced ZEE-nuh (/ˈziː.nə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Xena” in a sentence?
Here is “Xena” used in a sentence: “She handled the whole crisis like an absolute Xena.”
What part of speech is “Xena”?
“Xena” is a noun.
Where does the word “Xena” come from?
The word “Xena” dates back to around 1990 and comes from Greek. Popularized by the 1990s television show Xena: Warrior Princess; the name itself is likely a variant of Xenia, from Greek xenía, "hospitable.".
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