old-womanish

[ohld-woo m-uh-nish]

adjective

Sometimes Offensive. having characteristics considered typical of an old woman, as excessive fussiness or timidity.

Origin of old-womanish

First recorded in 1765–75

Related formsold-wom·an·ish·ness, noun

Usage note

This term is sometimes perceived as insulting because it reinforces stereotypes.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for old-womanish

Historical Examples of old-womanish

There are tears in her voice—simple, old-womanish, grandmotherly tears.
The Old House and Other Tales
Feodor Sologub
Surely my old-womanish babbling has not upset you like this!
By Birth a Lady
George Manville Fenn
He makes no old-womanish outcry of alarm and expresses no exaggerated wrath.
Charlotte Bronte and Her Circle
Clement K. Shorter
Poor little darling, the girls made fun of it because it was so ugly and old-womanish.
Little Maid Marian
Amy E. Blanchard