spinster
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for spinster, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An older, unmarried woman, especially one past the age when marriage was traditionally expected.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English spynnestere, originally simply "a woman who spins thread" — the connection to unmarried women grew from the historical association between spinning work and single women.
Full origin of spinster →Frequently asked questions
What does “spinster” mean?
The word “spinster” means an older, unmarried woman, especially one past the age when marriage was traditionally expected. In plain terms, an old-fashioned term for an unmarried older woman.
How do you pronounce “spinster”?
“Spinster” is pronounced SPIHNS-tuh (/ˈspɪnstɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spinster” in a sentence?
Here is “spinster” used in a sentence: “In the novel, she is mocked by relatives for remaining a spinster at thirty.”
What part of speech is “spinster”?
“Spinster” is a noun.
Where does the word “spinster” come from?
The word “spinster” comes from Middle English. From Middle English spynnestere, originally simply "a woman who spins thread" — the connection to unmarried women grew from the historical association between spinning work and single women.
