webster
Webster (noun) means an old term for a weaver, originally referring specifically to a woman who wove cloth. Example: “In medieval records, a "webster" often appeared alongside other trade names like "baker" and "smith".”
How to use webster
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn archaic word for someone who weaves cloth for a living, now surviving mainly as a surname.
You will mostly meet this word today as the surname Webster, not as an everyday job title.
Trace the full origin ↓Word forms
websters plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In medieval records, a "_____" often appeared alongside other trade names like "baker" and "smith".
Etymology
From Old English webbestre, the feminine form of webba ("weaver") — the "-ster" ending originally marked a female worker, as in "spinster".
Synonyms
View more →Frequently asked questions
What does “webster” mean?
The word “webster” means an old term for a weaver, originally referring specifically to a woman who wove cloth. In plain terms, an archaic word for someone who weaves cloth for a living, now surviving mainly as a surname.
How do you pronounce “webster”?
“Webster” is pronounced WEHBS-tuh (/ˈwɛbstə/ in IPA).
How do you use “webster” in a sentence?
Here is “webster” used in a sentence: “In medieval records, a "webster" often appeared alongside other trade names like "baker" and "smith".”
What part of speech is “webster”?
“Webster” is a noun.
Where does the word “webster” come from?
The word “webster” comes from Old English. From Old English webbestre, the feminine form of webba ("weaver") — the "-ster" ending originally marked a female worker, as in "spinster".
Is “webster” a common word?
“Webster” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What did the word webster originally mean?
Webster was an old term for a weaver, and it originally referred specifically to a woman who wove cloth, distinguishing her from a male weaver.
Is webster related to the surname Webb?
Yes, both webster and Webb derive from weaving occupations in medieval English, with webster specifically denoting a female weaver and Webb serving as a more general occupational surname.
Is webster still used to mean weaver today?
No, webster as a term for a weaver is archaic and no longer in everyday use; today the word is mostly recognized as a surname rather than an occupational term.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include webster: