housewife
HOWS-wyf
Housewife (noun) means a woman whose main role is managing the home rather than working outside it. Example: “She was a housewife for fifteen years before returning to teaching.”
noun
1
A woman whose main role is managing the home rather than working outside it.
"She was a housewife for fifteen years before returning to teaching."
2
A small sewing kit or case for needles, thread, and pins.
"His grandmother packed a housewife in every parcel she sent him."
How to use housewife
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA woman who runs the household full-time, or (much less commonly) a small sewing kit.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "hussy" — they share the same origin, but only "hussy" carries the negative meaning today.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- housewives, housewifes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was a _____ for fifteen years before returning to teaching.
Etymology
From Middle English houswyf, house + wife. It is a doublet of "hussy" — the two words split apart over time as "hussy" took on a negative meaning.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for housewife
See all rhymes for housewife →Frequently asked questions
What does “housewife” mean?
The word “housewife” means a woman whose main role is managing the home rather than working outside it. In plain terms, a woman who runs the household full-time, or (much less commonly) a small sewing kit.
How do you pronounce “housewife”?
“Housewife” is pronounced HOWS-wyf (/ˈhaʊs.waɪf/ in IPA).
How do you use “housewife” in a sentence?
Here is “housewife” used in a sentence: “She was a housewife for fifteen years before returning to teaching.”
What part of speech is “housewife”?
“Housewife” is a noun.
Where does the word “housewife” come from?
The word “housewife” comes from Middle English. From Middle English houswyf, house + wife. It is a doublet of "hussy" — the two words split apart over time as "hussy" took on a negative meaning.
Is “housewife” a common word?
“Housewife” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “housewife” have?
“Housewife” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a woman whose main role is managing the home rather than working outside it.
