housewife

American  

[hous-wahyf, huhz-if] / ˈhaʊsˌwaɪf, ˈhʌz ɪf /

noun

plural

housewives

1. Sometimes Offensive. a married woman who manages her own household, especially as her principal occupation.

2. British. a sewing box; a small case or box for needles, thread, etc.

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verb (used with or without object)

housewifed, housewifing

1. Archaic. to manage with efficiency and economy, as a household.

housewife British  

/ ˈhaʊsˌwɪfərɪ, -ˌwɪfrɪ, ˈhaʊsˌwaɪf /

noun

1. a woman, typically a married woman, who keeps house, usually without having paid employment

2. Also called: hussy.   huswife.  a small sewing kit issued to soldiers

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Sensitive Note

Most people, married or unmarried, find the term housewife perfectly acceptable. But it is sometimes perceived as insulting, perhaps because it implies a lowly status (“She’s just a housewife”) or because it defines an occupation in terms of a woman's relation to a man. Homemaker is a fairly common substitute.

Other Word Forms

• housewifery noun

Etymology

Origin of housewife

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English hus(e)wif; house, wife

Example Sentences

German defence giant Rheinmetall on Sunday sought to smooth over a row caused by comments from its boss comparing Ukrainian factories producing drones to "housewives" making weapons in their kitchens.

From Barron's

At one point housewives were admonished not to shake their dust mops outdoors lest that contribute to smog.

From Los Angeles Times

She was the quintessential housewife — from how she looked to what she did on a day-to-day basis, taking care of the home and her family.

From Los Angeles Times

Indians like housewife Kriti Prasad have been found themselves desperately hunting for cooking gas as supplies dwindle.

From Barron's

I wanted to charge downstairs and make a scene—show myself to be rough and uncivil, the complete opposite of the cultured and obedient housewife that Ba aimed to portray.

From Literature

Related Words

• homemaker