first lady

/'fə:st'leidi/
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first lady

The first lady cuts the ribbon at the new community center.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The wife of a chief executive: The term "first lady" most commonly refers to the wife of a head of state or government, such as a president or governor. This usage is particularly prominent in the United States.
    • The leading woman in an art or profession: "First lady" can also be used metaphorically to describe a woman who is the most prominent, influential, or pioneering figure in a particular field, such as the arts, business, or a social movement.
Usage Examples
  • Noun (Wife of a chief executive):
    • The First Lady attended the ceremony with the President.
    • She launched a national literacy campaign during her time as First Lady.
  • Noun (Leading woman in a field):
    • She is considered the first lady of American jazz.
    • The award honored the first lady of physics for her groundbreaking research.
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often capitalized ("First Lady") when used as a formal title preceding a name or when referring to a specific individual in the official role.
    • First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was a transformative figure.
  • It can be used in a historical context to refer to past holders of the position.
    • The museum featured a gallery dedicated to former First Ladies.
Variants and Related Words
  • First gentleman: A less common term for the husband of a female head of state or government.
  • First spouse: A more modern, gender-neutral term for the partner of a head of state or government.
Synonyms
  • Presidential/gubernatorial spouse: A more formal and descriptive synonym for the political sense.
  • Doyenne: A woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field.
  • Leading lady: A synonym, especially in the context of performing arts or entertainment.
Related Phrases
  • First Lady of the [Nation/State]: A common formal title.
    • She served as First Lady of the United States for two terms.
  • First Lady of [Field/Profession]: A common metaphorical construction.
    • She was hailed as the first lady of civil rights law.
Related Idioms
  • While "first lady" itself is not typically part of a larger idiom, its metaphorical use functions similarly to idiomatic expressions like "king of" or "queen of" a domain, denoting preeminence.
    • Her decades of innovation earned her the title "first lady of fashion."
first lady

The first lady cuts the ribbon at the new community center.

Noun
  1. the wife of a chief executive
  2. the leading woman in an art or profession