Masculine of Nouns starting with 'C'

The masculine of Canoness is Canon.

Rule: The feminine form is created by adding the "-ess" suffix.

Definitions:

• A Canoness is a woman belonging to a religious community living under a rule (a canon), but not under perpetual vows. This is a historical Christian title.
• A Canon is a clergyman who is a member of a cathedral or collegiate church.

Examples:

• The canoness dedicated her life to prayer and charity.
• The newly appointed canon delivered a sermon at the cathedral.

The masculine of Cateress is Caterer.

Modern Usage: "Cateress" is an extremely rare and outdated term. The word Caterer is a standard common gender noun used for any person or company that provides food and service for events.

Examples:

• The chosen caterer for the wedding was excellent. (Refers to a person or company of any gender)
• She is a successful caterer with her own business.

The masculine of Chairwoman is Chairman.

Modern Usage: Both "Chairwoman" and "Chairman" are often replaced by the gender-neutral term Chairperson or simply Chair to avoid specifying gender in professional contexts.

Definitions:

• Chairwoman: A woman in charge of a meeting or organization.
• Chairman: A man in charge of a meeting or organization.
• Chairperson / Chair: A person of any gender in charge of a meeting or organization.

Examples:

• The chairwoman called the meeting to order.
• He was appointed as the new chairman of the board.
• The chairperson will give the opening remarks. (Neutral)

The masculine of Comedienne is Comedian.

Rule: "Comedienne" is a French-derived feminine form. However, it is now considered dated.

Modern Usage: The word Comedian is now a common gender noun, used for both male and female comedy performers. Using "comedienne" can sound old-fashioned.

Examples:

• Lucille Ball was a famous American actress and comedienne. (Older usage)
• Hannah Gadsby is a brilliant comedian from Australia. (Modern usage)
• Jerry Seinfeld is a well-known American comedian.

The masculine of Conductress is Conductor.

Modern Usage: The term "Conductress" is now archaic and rarely used. The word Conductor is the standard common gender noun for a person who directs an orchestra, or who collects fares on a bus or train.

Examples:

• A woman who led an orchestra in the 19th century might have been called a conductress. (Outdated)
• Marin Alsop is a famous female conductor. (Modern usage)
• The conductor of the symphony orchestra took a bow.

The masculine of Countess is Count or Earl.

Rule: This is a special case. In most of Europe, the masculine is "Count". In the British nobility, the equivalent rank is "Earl". The wife of an Earl is always a "Countess".

Definitions:

• A Countess is a woman holding the rank of count or earl in her own right, or the wife of a count or earl.
• A Count is a nobleman in many European countries.
• An Earl is a British nobleman ranking above a viscount and below a marquess.

Examples:

• The Countess of Wessex is a member of the British royal family.
• In the story, Count Dracula lived in a castle in Transylvania.
• The Earl of Sandwich is a famous title in Britain.

The masculine of Czarina (also spelled Tsarina) is Czar (or Tsar).

Rule: The feminine form adds the suffix "-ina". Both spellings (Czar/Tsar) are acceptable.

Definitions:

• A Czarina was the empress of Russia before 1917, or the wife of a czar.
• A Czar was the emperor of Russia before 1917.

Examples:

• The last Czarina of Russia was Alexandra Feodorovna.
• Czar Nicholas II was the last emperor of Russia.

The masculine of a female cat (a Queen) is a Tom or Tomcat.

• Feminine: Queen (especially an unspayed female used for breeding)
• Masculine: Tom / Tomcat

Note: In everyday language, "cat" is used as a common gender term.

Example:

• Our cat is a queen, and she just had a litter of kittens.
• A big orange tomcat often visits our garden.

The masculine of a female chicken (a Hen) is a Rooster or Cock.

• Feminine: Hen
• Masculine: Rooster (common in American English) / Cock (common in British English)

Note: "Chicken" is the common gender term for the species.

Example:

• The hen sat on her eggs to keep them warm.
• The rooster crows loudly every morning at sunrise.

The masculine of a Cow is a Bull.

Rule: This pair uses entirely different words. This applies to cattle and other large animals (elephants, whales, etc.).

• Feminine: Cow
• Masculine: Bull

Example:

• The dairy farm has over a hundred milking cows.
• A charging bull is a symbol of strength and aggression.

The noun Cattle is a common gender plural noun used to describe a group of domesticated bovine animals (cows, bulls, oxen) regardless of age or sex.

You do not use "cattle" for a single animal. The specific gendered terms are Cow (female) and Bull (male).

Example:

• The rancher moved the herd of cattle to a new pasture.
• Within the herd were several large bulls and many cows with their calves.

The noun Cousin is a common gender noun. It refers to the child of one's uncle or aunt, regardless of their gender.

There is no separate masculine or feminine form. If you need to specify, you would say "male cousin" or "female cousin".

Example:

• My cousin from Canada is visiting next week. (Could be male or female)
• I have two cousins; one is a boy and one is a girl.