noun
Jewess
JOO-ehs
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.”
noun
1
A Jewish woman or girl (now often considered dated or potentially offensive).
"The old novel described her simply as "a Jewess from Vienna.""
"Modern style guides recommend "Jewish woman" instead of this older term."
How to use Jewess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn older word for a Jewish woman, rarely used in current writing.
When to use it
Considered old-fashioned and by many speakers inappropriate today; "Jewish woman" is the standard modern phrasing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Jewesses
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.".
