spinster
Spinster (noun) means an older, unmarried woman, especially one past the age when marriage was traditionally expected. Example: “In the novel, she is mocked by relatives for remaining a spinster at thirty.”
How to use spinster
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned term for an unmarried older woman.
Now considered old-fashioned and often mildly derogatory; modern writing tends to avoid it in favor of neutral phrasing.
Word forms
spinsters plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the novel, she is mocked by relatives for remaining a _____ at thirty.
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for spinster
See all rhymes for 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.