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

As Shirley Valentine, the frustrated Liverpool housewife who finds romance on a Greek island, Pauline Collins achieved international fame and an Oscar nomination.

From BBC

At the time, Ms Zia was described as a "shy housewife" devoted to their two sons.

From BBC

"I never expected that I would be at this place. Eight years ago, I was just a housewife and a quiet person," she said.

From BBC

Tom is a law professor and his wife, Amy, is a frustrated and high-strung housewife.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nina is also under social pressure to keep up with her fellow wealthy housewives’ habits, such as giving speeches to the PTA.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• homemaker