noun

suffragette

suhf-ruh-JEHT

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Suffragette (noun) means a woman who campaigned, often through militant action, for women's right to vote in the early 1900s, especially in Britain. Example: “The suffragettes chained themselves to railings to draw attention to their cause.”

noun

A woman who campaigned, often through militant action, for women's right to vote in the early 1900s, especially in Britain.

"The suffragettes chained themselves to railings to draw attention to their cause."

"Perhaps no single location resonates for women’s rights campaigners today as much as Holloway, the first female-only prison, where militant suffragettes were incarcerated, went on hunger strike and were savagely force-fed." — , Smashed windows, broken rules: the dark suffragette sites of London (2018)

How to use suffragette

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA woman activist who fought for women's voting rights in the early 20th century.

Common mistake

Distinct from "suffragist," a broader, earlier term for anyone (often using peaceful methods) campaigning for voting rights.

Easily confused with

suffragist →

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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: suffragettes

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ chained themselves to railings to draw attention to their cause.

Etymology

Formed from suffrage plus -ette. Coined mockingly by the Daily Mail in 1906, but later embraced proudly by the Women's Social and Political Union.

· First attested 1906

Class of 1906 suffragette joined the language around 1906.

allergy Eichmann grift grifter wop

See the full Class of 1906 →

Rhymes for suffragette

Bette Vette Yvette burette curette pipette palette gazette rosette Annette Lynette Colette

See all rhymes for suffragette →

Frequently asked questions

What does “suffragette” mean?

The word “suffragette” means a woman who campaigned, often through militant action, for women's right to vote in the early 1900s, especially in Britain. In plain terms, a woman activist who fought for women's voting rights in the early 20th century.

How do you pronounce “suffragette”?

“Suffragette” is pronounced suhf-ruh-JEHT (/ˌsʌf.ɹəˈd͡ʒɛt/ in IPA).

How do you use “suffragette” in a sentence?

Here is “suffragette” used in a sentence: “The suffragettes chained themselves to railings to draw attention to their cause.”

What part of speech is “suffragette”?

“Suffragette” is a noun.

Where does the word “suffragette” come from?

The word “suffragette” dates back to around 1906. Formed from suffrage plus -ette. Coined mockingly by the Daily Mail in 1906, but later embraced proudly by the Women's Social and Political Union.