What does virago mean?

Definitions for virago
vɪˈrɑ goʊ, -ˈreɪ-vi·ra·go

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word virago.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. viragonoun

    a noisy or scolding or domineering woman

  2. amazon, viragonoun

    a large strong and aggressive woman

Wiktionary

  1. viragonoun

    (said of a woman) Given to undue belligerence or ill manner at the slightest provocation; a shrew, a termagant

  2. viragonoun

    (said of a woman) scolding, domineering, highly opinionated; a fishwife, a nag

  3. viragonoun

    (said of a woman) rough, loud, and aggressive

  4. viragoadjective

    pertaining to a virago

  5. Etymology: From virago.

Wikipedia

  1. Virago

    A virago is a woman who demonstrates abundant masculine virtues. The word comes from the Latin word virāgō (genitive virāginis) meaning vigorous' from vir meaning "man" or "man-like" (cf. virile and virtue) to which the suffix -āgō is added, a suffix that creates a new noun of the third declension with feminine grammatical gender. Historically, this was often positive and reflected heroism and exemplary qualities of masculinity. However, it could also be pejorative, indicating a woman who is masculine to the exclusion of traditional feminine virtues. Modern use of the word virago generally takes the disparaging sense. Thus virago joined pejoratives such as termagant, mannish, amazonian and shrew to describe women who acted aggressively or like men. The word virago has almost always had an association with cultural gender transgression. There are recorded instances of viragos (such as Joan of Arc) fighting battles, wearing men's clothing, or receiving the tonsure.

ChatGPT

  1. virago

    A virago is a woman who demonstrates exceptional strength, courage, or a strong and assertive character, often in a manner that is considered more typical of men. The term can also be used in a derogatory sense to refer to a loud, domineering, or aggressive woman.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Viragonoun

    a woman of extraordinary stature, strength, and courage; a woman who has the robust body and masculine mind of a man; a female warrior

  2. Viragonoun

    hence, a mannish woman; a bold, turbulent woman; a termagant; a vixen

  3. Etymology: [L. virago, -intis, from vir a man. See Virile.]

Wikidata

  1. Virago

    A virago is a woman who demonstrates exemplary and heroic qualities. The word comes from the Latin word vir, meaning virile '' to which the suffix -ago is added, a suffix that effectively re-genders the word to be female. The word virago has almost always had an association with cultural gender transgression. A virago, of whatever excellence, was still identified by her gender. There are recorded instances of viragos, such as Joan of Arc, fighting battles, wearing men's clothing, or receiving the tonsure. This could cause social anxiety. For this reason, the word virago could also be used disparagingly, to imply that a virago was not excellent or heroic, but was instead violating cultural norms. Thus virago joined pejoratives such as termagant and shrew to demean women who acted aggressively or like men.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Virago

    vi-rā′go, or vī-rā′gō, n. a masculine woman: a bold, impudent woman: a termagant.—adjs. Viragin′ian, Viraginous (viraj′-).n. Viragin′ity. [L.,—vir, a man.]

Matched Categories

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

How to pronounce virago?

How to say virago in sign language?

Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of virago in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of virago in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

Popularity rank by frequency of use

virago#10000#69875#100000

Translations for virago

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

Get even more translations for virago »

Translation

Find a translation for the virago definition in other languages:

Select another language:

  • - Select -
  • 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified)
  • 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional)
  • Español (Spanish)
  • Esperanto (Esperanto)
  • 日本語 (Japanese)
  • Português (Portuguese)
  • Deutsch (German)
  • العربية (Arabic)
  • Français (French)
  • Русский (Russian)
  • ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada)
  • 한국어 (Korean)
  • עברית (Hebrew)
  • Gaeilge (Irish)
  • Українська (Ukrainian)
  • اردو (Urdu)
  • Magyar (Hungarian)
  • मानक हिन्दी (Hindi)
  • Indonesia (Indonesian)
  • Italiano (Italian)
  • தமிழ் (Tamil)
  • Türkçe (Turkish)
  • తెలుగు (Telugu)
  • ภาษาไทย (Thai)
  • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
  • Čeština (Czech)
  • Polski (Polish)
  • Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
  • Românește (Romanian)
  • Nederlands (Dutch)
  • Ελληνικά (Greek)
  • Latinum (Latin)
  • Svenska (Swedish)
  • Dansk (Danish)
  • Suomi (Finnish)
  • فارسی (Persian)
  • ייִדיש (Yiddish)
  • հայերեն (Armenian)
  • Norsk (Norwegian)
  • English (English)

Word of the Day

Would you like us to send you a FREE new word definition delivered to your inbox daily?

Please enter your email address:


Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"virago." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/virago>.

Discuss these virago definitions with the community:

0 Comments

    Are we missing a good definition for virago? Don't keep it to yourself...

    Image or illustration of

    virago

    Credit »

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Quiz

    Are you a words master?

    »
    the act of making a noisy disturbance
    A rumpus
    B transpire
    C abase
    D embellish

    Nearby & related entries:

    Alternative searches for virago: