Masculine of Nouns starting with 'S'

The masculine of Saleswoman is Salesman.

Modern Usage: The modern, gender-neutral terms are Salesperson, Sales Associate, or Sales Representative.

Examples:

• The salesperson who assisted us was very helpful. (Neutral)
• He worked as a car salesman for many years.

The masculine of Schoolmistress is Schoolmaster.

Modern Usage: These terms are archaic. The modern, gender-neutral term is simply Teacher or Head Teacher / Principal if they are in charge of the school.

Examples:

• In old novels, the strict schoolmistress was a common character.
• My favorite teacher in primary school was Mr. Smith. (Neutral)

The historical masculine of Seamstress is Seamster.

Modern Usage: Both terms are uncommon. The standard, gender-neutral term is Tailor or Sewer (pronounced SO-er).

Definitions:

• A Seamstress is a woman who sews, especially one who makes a living by sewing.
• A Seamster is the male equivalent.

Examples:

• She took the dress to a local seamstress for alterations.
• The costumes for the play were made by a talented tailor. (Neutral)

The masculine of Señora or Señorita is Señor.

Rule: These are Spanish titles of respect.

Definitions:

• Señora (Mrs.): A title for a married woman.
• Señorita (Miss): A title for an unmarried woman.
• Señor (Mr.): A title for a man.

Examples:

• Good morning, Señor Perez.
• Señora Garcia, your table is ready.

The masculine of Shepherdess is Shepherd.

Modern Usage: "Shepherdess" is somewhat poetic or archaic. The word Shepherd is now the standard common gender noun for a person who tends sheep.

Examples:

• The image of a gentle shepherdess watching her flock is common in pastoral art.
• The shepherd used a dog to help manage the sheep. (Neutral)

The masculine of Signora or Signorina is Signore.

Rule: These are Italian titles of respect.

Definitions:

• Signora (Mrs.): A title for a married woman.
• Signorina (Miss): A title for an unmarried woman.
• Signore (Mr.): A title for a man.

Examples:

• Welcome, Signore Rossi.
• Excuse me, Signora, do you know the way to the station?

The masculine of Sister is Brother.

Rule: A fundamental gender pair using different words.

Definitions:

• Sister: A woman or girl who has one or more parents in common with another person. Also used for a female member of a religious order (a nun).
• Brother: A man or boy who has one or more parents in common with another person. Also used for a male member of a religious order (a monk or friar).

Examples:

• My sister is older than me, but my brother is younger.

The masculine of Songstress is Singer.

Modern Usage: "Songstress" is an archaic or poetic term. Singer is the standard common gender noun for any person who sings.

Examples:

• Aretha Franklin was a legendary soul singer. (Neutral)
• Frank Sinatra was a famous singer known as "Ol' Blue Eyes".

The masculine of Sorceress is Sorcerer.

Rule: A standard "-er" / "-ess" pairing for magical practitioners.

Examples:

• The evil sorceress cast a powerful spell.
• In many fantasy stories, the main villain is a dark sorcerer.

The masculine of Spinster is Bachelor.

Note on Usage: "Spinster" is a very outdated and often negative term for an unmarried woman, especially one who is past the common age for marrying. "Bachelor" for an unmarried man does not carry the same negative weight. In modern English, it's more neutral to simply say "an unmarried woman" or "a single woman".

The masculine of Spokeswoman is Spokesman.

Modern Usage: The modern, gender-neutral term is Spokesperson.

Examples:

• The White House spokesperson addressed the media. (Neutral)
• The company's spokeswoman released a statement about the merger.

The masculine of Stewardess is Steward.

Modern Usage: Both terms are archaic. The standard, gender-neutral term for airline cabin crew is Flight Attendant.

Examples:

• Please ask a flight attendant for assistance. (Neutral)

The masculine of Sultana is Sultan.

Rule: "Sultana" is the feminine form of Sultan, a title for a ruler in a Muslim country.

Examples:

• The Sultan of Brunei is one of the world's wealthiest monarchs.
• Historically, the mother of the Sultan often held the powerful title of Valide Sultana.

The masculine of a She-bear is a He-bear. More specific terms are also used.

• Feminine: She-bear or Sow
• Masculine: He-bear or Boar

Example:

• The she-bear was teaching her cubs how to fish.

The masculine of a She-goat is a He-goat. More specific terms are more common.

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• Feminine: Nanny-goat or Doe
• Masculine: Billy-goat or Buck

Example:

• The old he-goat had a long, grey beard.

The masculine of a She-wolf is a He-wolf or simply Wolf.

• Feminine: She-wolf
• Masculine / Common: Wolf / He-wolf

Example:

• The alpha male of the pack was a large he-wolf.

The masculine of a Sow is a Boar.

Rule: These terms refer to adult pigs.

Example:

• The sow gave birth to a litter of twelve piglets.
• A wild boar can be very aggressive if threatened.

The word Stallion is a masculine noun by definition. Its feminine counterpart is a Mare.

Example:

• The Arabian stallion was a champion racehorse.

The word Stag is a masculine noun by definition. Its feminine counterpart is a Hind.

Example:

• A magnificent stag with twelve points on his antlers stood on the hill.

The masculine of Senatress is Senator.

Modern Usage: "Senatress" is an obsolete word. Senator is the standard common gender noun for an elected member of a senate.

Example:

• The senator from California gave a speech on the new bill. (Neutral)

The word Sheep is a common gender noun. The specific terms for adult sheep are:

• Feminine: Ewe
• Masculine: Ram

Example:

• The flock of sheep grazed on the hillside. (Common gender)

The word Swan is a common gender noun. The specific terms are:

• Feminine: Pen
• Masculine: Cob

Example:

• A pair of swans built a nest by the lake. (Common gender)