workwoman

[ wurk-woom-uhn ]

noun

, plural work·wom·en.

1. a female worker. worker.
2. a woman employed or skilled in some manual, mechanical, or industrial work.

Gender Note

See -woman.

Word History and Origins

Origin of workwoman¹

First recorded in 1520–30; work + woman

Example Sentences

My friend was an excellent workwoman; but with some intelligence, and the will to learn, I soon knew as much as she did.

From Project Gutenberg

She was an unskilled workwoman, not especially gifted in any way or fitted by her upbringing to earn her daily bread.

From Project Gutenberg

An artist or a workwoman can tell at once whether your stitch was laid just so because you meant it or because you knew no better.

From Project Gutenberg

The best workwoman can earn seven shillings a week, working eight hours a day.

From Project Gutenberg

The lady now conducted Otto into the sitting-room, where he found the four daughters in full activity with a workwoman.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• employee
• laborer
• staff