alpha females

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   The dominant or most assertive female in a social group, especially one who holds power or influence.

   Grammar: Used as a plural noun; the singular is 'alpha female'. Often used with 'the' to refer to a specific group.

   Patterns

   • the alpha females of something
   • alpha females in a group

   In many wolf packs, the alpha females lead the hunt and choose where the group rests.

   She was considered one of the alpha females in the office, always taking charge of meetings.

   The documentary focused on the alpha females of the elephant herd.

2. 2nounpluralinformal

   Women who are dominant or highly competitive in social or professional settings, often used in discussions of gender and power.

   Grammar: Used in sociocultural contexts; can carry a positive or negative tone depending on the speaker.

   Patterns

   • alpha females in the workplace
   • a group of alpha females

   The book examines how alpha females navigate male-dominated industries.

   Some people admire alpha females for their confidence, while others find them intimidating.

Word forms

Common combinations

alpha female of the group

She quickly became the alpha female of the group.

alpha female behavior

The researchers studied alpha female behavior in primates.

a pair of alpha females

The two alpha females often clashed over leadership.

Synonyms and how they differ

dominant female

More neutral and technical; 'alpha female' is often used in popular science and everyday speech.

leader

Broader term; 'alpha female' specifically implies dominance and gender.

Opposites

Word family

alpha male noun

The male equivalent; the dominant male in a group.

Commonly confused: alpha females or alpha female?

Practice

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