laywoman
noun
a woman who is not a member of the clergy.
laywomen
-
pluralof laywoman.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
The Bishop agrees but insists that since no other Franciscans are female, Aleys must be sent to the nearby Beguines — laywomen who take no vows, live in community and work to support the church.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 4, 2026
He has also named women — laywomen and religious sisters — as consultors to Vatican offices dominated by male clergy, including the one that chooses bishops.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 6, 2022
When Gregory arrived, he made Pehle a full-time administrator, as well as, eventually, 12 other nuns and laywomen who were given the title “parish life coordinators.”
From Washington Post ● Apr. 14, 2019
So, theologically speaking, laypeople, including laywomen, can be cardinals.
From The New Yorker ● Oct. 28, 2018
Had there been clergywomen, there would have been laywomen.
From Samantha among the Brethren — Volume 7 by Marietta Holley
