fishwife

[ fish-wahyf ]

noun

, plural fish·wives.

1. a woman who sells fish.
2. a coarse-mannered, vulgar-tongued woman.

fishwife

/ ˈfɪʃˌwaɪf /

noun

1. a woman who sells fish
2. a coarse scolding woman

Derived Forms

• ˈfishˌwifely, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fishwife¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, fishwife is from the late Middle English word fisshwyf. See fish, wife

Example Sentences

Perhaps you'll be staggering under a creel like a Newhaven fishwife before you return.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly a clamor was heard on the shore, and soon after a fishwife made her appearance, with rather a singular burden.

From Project Gutenberg

"It's no oot o' the kirk window ye'll hae seen him, Sandy, my mon," said a young fishwife.

From Project Gutenberg

It was about this time that Giorgione's ladylove won fame by discarding him in that foolish, fishwife fashion.

From Project Gutenberg

Mary became a Greek slave, or a Billingsgate fishwife, with amusing unexpectedness.

From Project Gutenberg