queen
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/kwiːn/
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A female sovereign or consort, a bee, a chess piece, a slang label for an impressive person, and, as a verb, to dominate or act with regal confidence.
Examples
His performance was so flawless, he was a queen on stage.
She queened the dance floor, drawing all eyes.
White's queen controlled the center of the board.
Fans shouted queen as she took the stage.
When she walked in, everyone called her queen of the night.
Similar words
command
heroine
royal bee
sovereign
own
ruler
regent
royal piece
bee monarch
reign
Meanings
Examples
queen Elizabeth II reigned for seven decades.
The queen addressed the nation from Buckingham Palace.
During the coronation, the queen wore a crown of gold.
The queen signed the new law into effect.
In the ceremony, the queen received the ceremonial sword.
Similar words
monarch
sovereign
ruler
empress
royal
regent
Examples
The queen was introduced to the new colony by the beekeeper.
When the queen lays eggs, the hive expands rapidly.
The loss of the queen can cause the colony to collapse.
Beekeepers monitor the health of the queen throughout spring.
The queen's pheromones keep the workers orderly.
Similar words
bee monarch
royal bee
egg‑layer
matriarch
foundress
queen bee
Examples
White's queen controlled the center of the board.
Black's queen was trapped after the knight fork.
She sacrificed her queen to gain a winning position.
The queen can move like a rook and a bishop combined.
In the opening, the queen often develops early.
Similar words
royal piece
powerful piece
major piece
chess queen
queen piece
queen (chess)
Examples
When she walked in, everyone called her queen of the night.
His performance was so flawless, he was a queen on stage.
That outfit makes you look like a queen.
She ruled the meeting, truly a queen of negotiations.
Fans shouted queen as she took the stage.
Similar words
icon
star
diva
legend
boss
heroine
Examples
After winning the award, she queened the ceremony.
He queened the debate, leaving everyone speechless.
The team queened the competition with their flawless performance.
She queened the dance floor, drawing all eyes.
When the crowd cheered, he queened the moment.
Similar words
dominate
lead
rule
command
reign
own
Etymology
From Old English cwēn “woman, wife, queen”, from Proto‑Germanic *kwēniz and ultimately from PIE *gʷénh₂s “woman”.
FAQ
What does the word "queen" mean when referring to a person?
It can refer to a female monarch, the wife of a king, or an informal term praising someone as impressive.
How is "queen" used in chess?
It is the most powerful piece, moving any number of squares horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
What is the origin of the word "queen"?
It comes from Old English cwēn meaning “woman, wife, queen”, ultimately from Proto‑Germanic and PIE roots for “woman”.
Can "queen" be used as a verb?
Yes, informally it means to dominate or act with regal confidence, as in “She queened the party”.
Why is a bee called a queen?
The queen bee is the sole reproductive female in a hive, responsible for laying all the eggs.
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