wench
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.”
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.
Outside of historical or joking use, calling someone a "wench" is considered old-fashioned, condescending, or offensive.
Word forms
wenched past tense, wenches plural, wench plural, wenched plural, wenches singular, wench singular, wenched singular, wenchest singular, wenchedst singular, wencheth singular
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."
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.