malinche

noun

ma·​lin·​che

məˈlinchē

plural -s

: a man or boy dressed as a woman in a Mexican dance drama

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Nahuatl Malintzin (Marina) †1550? Aztec slave mistress of Hernando Cortes

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now