noun

spinster

SPIHNS-tuh

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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.”

noun

An older, unmarried woman, especially one past the age when marriage was traditionally expected.

"In the novel, she is mocked by relatives for remaining a spinster at thirty."

How to use spinster

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned term for an unmarried older woman.

When to use it

Now considered old-fashioned and often mildly derogatory; modern writing tends to avoid it in favor of neutral phrasing.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: spinsters

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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.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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spinner old maid thread maker

Antonyms

matron

Related words

nurse DJ maid spinner matron periwinkle damsel

Rhymes for spinster

minster Westminster

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.

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