noun
wench
wehnch
Wench (noun) means an old-fashioned or humorous term for a young woman, sometimes used at Renaissance fairs or in historical fiction. Example: “The actress played a tavern wench in the medieval drama.”
noun
1
An old-fashioned or humorous term for a young woman, sometimes used at Renaissance fairs or in historical fiction.
"The actress played a tavern wench in the medieval drama."
2
Historically, a female servant.
"In the story, the kitchen wench overhears the plot against the king."
How to use wench
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old or playful word for a young woman, often used today in historical or comic contexts.
When to use it
Outside of historical or joking use, calling someone a "wench" is considered old-fashioned, condescending, or offensive.
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Word forms
- Plural
- wenches
- Third person singular
- wenches
- Past tense
- wenched
- Archaic forms
- wenchest, wenchedst, wencheth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The actress played a tavern _____ in the medieval drama.
Etymology
From Middle English wenche, a shortened form of wenchel ("child, young girl"), from Old English wenċel, meaning "child" or "servant."
Related words
Rhymes for wench
See all rhymes for wench →Frequently asked questions
What does “wench” mean?
The word “wench” means an old-fashioned or humorous term for a young woman, sometimes used at Renaissance fairs or in historical fiction. In plain terms, an old or playful word for a young woman, often used today in historical or comic contexts.
How do you pronounce “wench”?
“Wench” is pronounced wehnch (/wɛnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wench” in a sentence?
Here is “wench” used in a sentence: “The actress played a tavern wench in the medieval drama.”
What part of speech is “wench”?
“Wench” is a noun.
Where does the word “wench” come from?
The word “wench” comes from Old English. From Middle English wenche, a shortened form of wenchel ("child, young girl"), from Old English wenċel, meaning "child" or "servant.".
How many meanings does “wench” have?
“Wench” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an old-fashioned or humorous term for a young woman, sometimes used at Renaissance fairs or in historical fiction.
