tsarina

The term "tsarina" (sometimes spelled "czarina") refers to the empress or queen consort of a Tsar, the emperor of Russia or some other Slavic countries. The masculine form of the title is Tsar. The title of Tsar originated from the Roman title Caesar and became synonymous with supreme ruler in Russia. Therefore, a tsarina was the wife of the supreme ruler. In cases where a woman herself held supreme power, she would be known as a tsarina in her own right, or an empress.

The most famous examples of women who held the title of tsarina are Catherine I and Catherine II (Catherine the Great) of Russia, both of whom were empresses regnant. Other notable tsarinas include Alexandra Feodorovna, the wife of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia. The role of a tsarina varied throughout history, but typically involved ceremonial duties, social leadership, and sometimes influence over political matters, particularly within the imperial court. The title and its associated privileges were abolished with the end of the Russian monarchy in 1917.