schoolmarm

American  

[skool-mahrm] / ˈskulˌmɑrm /

noun

Older Use.

1. a female schoolteacher, especially of the old-time country school type, popularly held to be strict and priggish.

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schoolmarm British  

/ ˈskuːlˌmɑːm /

noun

1. a woman schoolteacher, esp when considered to be prim, prudish, or old-fashioned

2. any woman considered to be prim, prudish, or old-fashioned

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Other Word Forms

• schoolmarmish
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of schoolmarm

1835–45, variant of schoolma'am

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

schoolmarm

Here’s how to wear them without evoking a schoolmarm.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026

When observing public figures, there’s danger in scrutinizing off-the-cuff remarks, policing conversation like a schoolmarm.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 15, 2023

But she is still a substitute teacher, squirming to be the best schoolmarm she can be.

From Washington Times ● Feb. 20, 2023

Ms. Barrymore, as an executive producer, weighs in on everything, down to her chic schoolmarm costumes.

From New York Times ● Jan. 6, 2021

Amelia’s confidence had returned and with it her schoolmarm manner.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson

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