Meaning & use
an alpha woman
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Meanings
nouncountableinformalapproving
A woman who is confident, assertive, and often takes charge in a group.
Grammar: Countable; use 'an' before a vowel sound. Plural: alpha women.
Patterns
- an alpha woman in something
- be an alpha woman
She's an alpha woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind.
In the meeting, the alpha woman took control and led the discussion.
Some people see her as an alpha woman, but she just calls herself focused.
nouncountabletechnicalbiology
A female animal that dominates others in its social group.
Grammar: Used mainly in biology about wolves, primates, etc.
Patterns
- the alpha woman of the pack
In wolf packs, the alpha woman is the leader of the females.
Researchers observed the alpha woman asserting her dominance.
Word forms
| plural | alpha women |
|---|
Common combinations
- a true alpha woman
- She's a true alpha woman who inspires everyone around her.
- an alpha woman in the workplace
- As an alpha woman in the workplace, she often mentors younger colleagues.
- an alpha woman personality
- Her alpha woman personality makes her a natural leader.
- an alpha woman vibe
- She gives off an alpha woman vibe without even trying.
Synonyms and how they differ
- powerhouse
- Emphasizes energy and strength rather than social dominance.
- leader
- More neutral and general; doesn't imply the forceful personality of an alpha woman.
- dominant woman
- More direct and can sound more clinical or negative.
Opposites
Word family
- alpha male noun
- The male equivalent; a man who dominates in a group.
- alpha adjective
- Describing the dominant individual in a group.
Commonly confused: an alpha woman or alpha female?
an alpha woman vs alpha female
Alpha female is more common in biology for animals; alpha woman is used for humans, often informally.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'an alpha woman' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'In' is the correct preposition to show the field or group where she is dominant. 'Of' would suggest she belongs to the industry, not that she leads; 'at' and 'on' are not used this way.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “an alpha woman”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.