1. a loud, overbearing woman; a woman regarded as quarrelsome or scolding
Usage: often considered offensive
2. a woman of extraordinary stature, strength, and courage
Usage: archaic; literary

Examples

• The neighbors complained about the virago next door who constantly yelled at everyone.
• He described his ex-wife as a virago who made his life miserable.
• The novel portrayed Joan of Arc as a noble virago who saved France.
• In ancient tales, the virago led her people into battle with fierce determination.
• The term virago has largely fallen out of polite usage due to its negative connotations.
• Shakespeare often wrote strong female characters who could be called viragos in the classical sense.