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."

Noun

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