femme fatale

noun

femme fa·​tale ˌfem-fə-ˈtal 

ˌfam-,

-ˈtäl 

plural femmes fatales ˌfem-fə-ˈtal(z) 

ˌfam-,

-ˈtäl(z)

1

: a seductive woman who lures men into dangerous or compromising situations

2

: a woman who attracts men by an aura of charm and mystery

Synonyms

• enchantress
• seductress
• siren
• temptress

Examples of femme fatale in a Sentence

an actress who was often cast as cynical, sexy femmes fatales

Recent Examples on the Web

While specifics as to the film’s plot haven’t been disclosed, it’s described as a femme fatale thriller set in a luxury resort on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2024

So much so that some actual femme fatale villains have served as inspiration for dark feminine glam. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2024

She’s been the damsel in distress (Dead Calm, Far and Away), the femme fatale (Moulin Rouge, The Human Stain), the unknowable ingenue (Birthday Girl, Dogville), the witch (Practical Magic, Bewitched). —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024

Sleek Single Braid Getty Images Getty Images Fall’s femme fatales are all steely glances and a single three-strand braid—the better to whip and tie, and well, whatever a femme fatale gets up to. —Loren Savini, Allure, 3 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, disastrous woman

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1