Understand Masculine and Feminine Nouns of Gender with 35+ Examples (PDF) & Quiz

There is often a misconception that English does not have noun genders like other languages. On the contrary, English may not have complex grammar rules for the gender system seen in languages like Spanish or French, but it sure has the subtle nuances of masculine and feminine nouns. However, once you get an understanding of these nouns of gender, your writing, vocabulary, and communication skills are sure to be elevated.

So, hop on and read this blog till the very end, to find out more than 100 examples of masculine and feminine gender and exciting quizzes for easy learning. 

Must Read: Nouns: Examples, Definition, Types

What are Masculine and Feminine Nouns?

First and foremost, you should learn the difference between the two key genders of nouns, which are – natural gender (based on biological sex) and grammatical gender (classified as masculine, feminine, and neuter). Modern English vocabulary primarily uses natural gender, meaning noun gains masculine or feminine forms depending on the sex they represent. 

For example, actor/actress, king/queen, boy/girl, etc. 

Masculine Gender Noun – Definition

As per the standard definition, the masculine gender refers to nouns associated with the male sex or traditionally masculine characteristics. 

Examples: actor, king, boy, father, hero, gentleman, etc. 

Feminine Gender Noun – Definition 

Whereas, the feminine gender refers to nouns associated with the female sex or traditionally feminine characteristics. 

Examples: actress, queen, mother, heroine, lady, etc. 

Also Read: Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Difference Between Masculine and Feminine Nouns

Let’s quickly check a few points of differentiation between the two gender nouns in the table below for better usage. 

Criteria	Masculine Gender	Feminine Gender
Definition	Represents male sex or masculine characteristics	Represents female sex or feminine characteristics
Suffix Rules	Often ends in ‘-er’, ‘-or’, and ‘-ar’	Usually ends in ‘-ess’, ‘-ette’, and ‘-rix’
Examples	Baker, actor, emperor, etc.	Mistress, waitress, empress, etc.

15 Common Examples of Masculine and Feminine Nouns

Now, go through these commonly used examples of gender nouns and memorise them for future reference:

Do Check Out: 25 Examples of Abstract Nouns in Sentences

Examples of Masculine and Feminine Gender Exceptions

Unlike the examples above, there are a few exceptions to the noun genderfication in English. They are either neutral nouns like the ones given below. 

Quick Read: 25+ Countable Noun Examples in Sentences

Download 30 more Masculine and Feminine Gender List PDF

Masculine and Feminine Nouns Quiz

Q.1. What is the feminine gender of “lion”?

A) Lioness

B) Lionette

C) Lionessess

D) Lionette

Answer: A) Lioness

Q.2. Which word pair demonstrates masculine and feminine gender, respectively?

A) King – Princess

B) Bull – Cow

C) Father – Mother

D) Uncle – Aunt

Answer: C) Father – Mother

Q.3. What is the feminine gender of “ram”?

A) Ewe

B) Ramess

C) Ramette

D) Ramina

Answer: A) Ewe

Q.4. Which option shows the correct masculine and feminine gender for “horse”?

A) Stallion – Mare

B) Stallion – Horseess

C) Horseman – Mare

D) Horse – Mare

Answer: A) Stallion – Mare

Q.5. What is the feminine gender of “gander”?

A) Goose

B) Ganderess

C) Ganderette

D) Goosey

Answer: A) Goose

Q.6. Which word pair correctly demonstrates masculine and feminine gender?

A) Monk – Nun

B) Priest – Priestess

C) Monk – Priestess

D) Brother – Sister

Answer: B) Priest – Priestess

Q.7. What is the feminine gender of “bull”?

A) Cow

B) Bulless

C) Bullina

D) Cowess

Answer: A) Cow

Q.8. Which option shows the correct masculine and feminine gender for “dog”?

A) Dog – Bitch

B) Dog – Dogess

C) Male dog – Female dog

D) Canine – Bitch

Answer: A) Dog – Bitch

Q.9. What is the feminine gender of “rooster”?

A) Hen

B) Chicken

C) Roostress

D) Cockerel

Answer: A) Hen

Q.10. Which word pair demonstrates masculine and feminine gender, respectively?

A) Actor – Actress

B) Actor – Female actor

C) Performer – Actress

D) Actor – Male actor

Answer: A) Actor – Actress

Explore more reads on nouns below!

Common Noun	11 Examples of Common Nouns
Singular vs. Plural Nouns	Plural Nouns
Collective Nouns	Compound Nouns
What are Material Nouns?	What are Possessive Nouns?

This was all about the masculine and feminine nouns in English grammar. Hope you understand the concept and know how to proceed. You can also follow Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.