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housewifery

American  
[hous-wahy-fuh-ree, -wahyf-ree] / ˈhaʊsˌwaɪ fə ri, -ˌwaɪf ri /

noun

  1. the function or work of a housewife; housekeeping.


Etymology

Origin of housewifery

First recorded in 1400–50, housewifery is from the late Middle English word huswyfery. See housewife, -ery

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Most of the pundits and influencers making this argument frame housewifery as an escape from the stress of modern working life.

From Salon Sep. 15, 2025

She told the online publication Literary Hub that the theater company was her opportunity to “leave housewifery behind.”

From Washington Post Aug. 15, 2022

But by his side we also have Samuel Richardson, whose novel “Pamela” was a blueprint for how chaste women should behave in the face of avid pursuit, encouraging a zeal for housewifery.

From New York Times Feb. 4, 2020

Their friends and neighbors, attracted by the games, food, and company, attended as a respite from the tedium of housewifery.

From Slate Nov. 18, 2014

From the very beginning, Aunt Peace had taught Iris the principles of dainty housewifery.

From The Master's Violin by Myrtle Reed

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