Jewess
Jewess (noun) means a Jewish woman or girl (now often considered dated or potentially offensive). Example: “The old novel described her simply as "a Jewess from Vienna.”
How to use Jewess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn older word for a Jewish woman, rarely used in current writing.
Considered old-fashioned and by many speakers inappropriate today; "Jewish woman" is the standard modern phrasing.
Word forms
Jewesses plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old novel described her simply as "a _____ from Vienna."
Etymology
From Middle English "Jewesse," itself from Old French — built from "Jew" plus the feminine ending "-ess."
Frequently asked questions
What does “Jewess” mean?
The word “Jewess” means a Jewish woman or girl (now often considered dated or potentially offensive). In plain terms, an older word for a Jewish woman, rarely used in current writing.
How do you pronounce “Jewess”?
“Jewess” is pronounced JOO-ehs (/ˈd͡ʒuː.ɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “Jewess” in a sentence?
Here is “Jewess” used in a sentence: “The old novel described her simply as "a Jewess from Vienna.".”
What part of speech is “Jewess”?
“Jewess” is a noun.
Where does the word “Jewess” come from?
The word “Jewess” comes from Old French. From Middle English "Jewesse," itself from Old French — built from "Jew" plus the feminine ending "-ess.".