noun

househusband

hows-HUZ-buhnd

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Househusband (noun) means a man who runs the home and looks after the household rather than holding a paid job, the male counterpart to a housewife. Example: “He gave up his office job to become a full-time househusband.”

noun

A man who runs the home and looks after the household rather than holding a paid job, the male counterpart to a housewife.

"He gave up his office job to become a full-time househusband."

"As a househusband, he handles the school run and the cooking every day."

"Being a househusband suited him better than his old career in finance."

How to use househusband

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA man who stays at home to run the household rather than going out to work.

When to use it

The term itself is neutral and widely used, though some older related terms for the role are considered derogatory.

Memory tip

Remember it is simply house plus husband, built to match the older word housewife.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

full-time househusband become a househusband househusband and father

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He gave up his office job to become a full-time _____.

Etymology

Formed by joining house with husband. The word husband is itself historically linked to the idea of a household bond, so the compound was built to mirror the older word housewife.

Origin: English

Rhymes for househusband

husband

See all rhymes for househusband →

Frequently asked questions

What does "househusband" mean?

It means a man who takes care of the home and family instead of working outside it. It is the male equivalent of a housewife.

Is "househusband" the male version of "housewife"?

Yes, it was coined as a direct male counterpart to housewife.

What's another word for a stay-at-home dad?

Stay-at-home dad is itself a common alternative, and househusband is used in much the same way.

What is the meaning of househusband?

"househusband" (noun) means a man who runs the home and looks after the household rather than holding a paid job, the male counterpart to a housewife.