needlewoman

American  

[need-l-woom-uhn] / ˈnid lˌwʊm ən /

noun

• needlewomen
  plural

1. a woman who does needlework.

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needlewoman British  

/ ˈniːdəlˌwʊmən /

noun

1. a woman who does needlework; seamstress

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Gender

See -woman.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• needlewomen
  plural

Etymology

Origin of needlewoman

First recorded in 1605–15; needle + woman

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

needlewoman needlewomen

The outline for the first series was based partly on the stories of Eileen's parents, an underbutler and a needlewoman in the Edwardian era, and partly by Jean's reading preferences.

From Time Magazine Archive

A needlewoman of extraordinary skill, she has made a lavishly embroidered silk purse out of the sow's ear of realism.

From Time Magazine Archive

Guenever stitched away with the half-blank mind of a needlewoman, the other half of her brain moving idly among her troubles.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

The severe cold weather having ceased, the thrifty little needlewoman had not lighted her stove.

From The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 4 of 6 by Eugène Sue

The needlewoman was delighted that she stumbled more than usual.

From The Grandee by Armando Palacio Valdés

The clothing industry also employed tens of thousands of people, from skilled tailors and dressmakers in upscale shops to widowed needlewomen working 16-hour days.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 12, 2026

On the top floor, out of sight, a few dozen tailors, pattern cutters, shoemakers, and needlewomen work on the orders.

From The New Yorker ● Mar. 21, 2016

Marjorie, Lucy and Jerry had to turn needlewomen.

From Marjorie Dean, College Sophomore by Pauline Lester

Then the needlewomen raised their heads in surprise, and Valentina, trying not to laugh, said to Teresa: "Child, what is he saying?"

From The Fourth Estate, vol.1 by Armando Palacio Vald?s

She belonged to the old-fashioned order of needlewomen.

From Good Luck by L. T. Meade