temptress

noun
tempt·​ress | \ ˈtem(p)-trəs How to pronounce temptress (audio) \

Definition of temptress

: a woman who tempts or entices

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Examples of temptress in a Sentence

Greta Garbo, one of the most famous temptresses ever to appear on screen, died in 1990.

Recent Examples on the Web

With her enormous liquid-brown eyes and voice that swings effortlessly from a deep, smoky growl to a breathy high pitch, Cabello is a temptress with a sense of humor, a geek unafraid to make fun of herself. Kimberly Cutter, Marie Claire, "The Other Side of Camila Cabello," 14 Nov. 2018 Loveliness, in fiction, typically graces a pair of archetypes: the angel and the temptress. A.j. Finn, chicagotribune.com, "Gillian Flynn's 'Sharp Objects' gives women permission to be bad," 13 July 2018 It's covered with a pop-art mural of a pistol-wielding '60s-era temptress. Arizona Republic, azcentral, "Coolest homes: 10 unique modern homes featured on azcentral," 21 June 2018 Hope can be a brutal, uncaring temptress, ramping expectations into exhilarating crescendo before yanking the ball away, Lucy-style, as Charlie Brown tumbles again. Bryce Miller, sandiegouniontribune.com, "No-hitter wait continues for Padres fans after near-miss from Lyles," 15 May 2018 Maggie Lou Rader is a wonderfully anxious temptress. David Lyman, Cincinnati.com, "Review: Cincy Shakes' 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' a monumental family drama," 7 Apr. 2018 The action involves three muses — a chain-smoking temptress, an overheated diva and a fanciful kook — who each capture the attention of our hero. Gia Kourlas, New York Times, "At New York City Ballet, Hits, Misses and Daring Dancers," 6 Mar. 2018 As his brother mounts a tribal rebellion, Samson's relationship with a Philistine temptress and his final surrender to God will help turn imprisonment into a final victory. Joey Morona, cleveland.com, "Movie Minute: There's 'Black Panther' and everybody else at the box office this weekend," 15 Feb. 2018 These Pre-Raphaelite artists would often depict redheads in the nude or as temptresses. Jessica Matlin, Allure, "The Other Color: What Growing Up a Redhead Meant for My Self-Confidence," 15 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'temptress.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of temptress

1594, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for temptress

tempter + -ess

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More Definitions for temptress

temptress

noun

English Language Learners Definition of temptress

: a woman who makes a man want to have sex with her : a very attractive woman

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