spinster
Disparaging and Offensive. a woman still unmarried beyond the usual age of marrying.
Chiefly Law. a woman who has never married.
a woman whose occupation is spinning.
Origin of spinster
1usage note For spinster
Other words from spinster
- spin·ster·hood, noun
- spin·ster·ish, adjective
- spin·ster·ish·ly, adverb
- spin·ster·like, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use spinster in a sentence
She knew her capabilities, well-tried in some sixty odd years of unprotected spinsterhood.
The Backwoodsmen | Charles G. D. RobertsShe had so early in life taken up an attitude of resolute spinsterhood that there was a tendency to exaggerate her years.
Sophy of Kravonia | Anthony HopeRichard wondered whether she had pledged herself to spinsterhood, but of course he didn't ask her.
She possesses indeed the sort of athletic chastity which is a characteristic charm of Northern spinsterhood.
Three Plays by Granville-Barker | Harley Granville-BarkerBut Jennie was discontented, puling for what she could not have, mourning her lowly fortune, deploring her spinsterhood.
My Neighbors | Caradoc Evans
British Dictionary definitions for spinster
/ (ˈspɪnstə) /
an unmarried woman regarded as being beyond the age of marriage
law (in legal documents) a woman who has never married: Compare feme sole
(formerly) a woman who spins thread for her living
Origin of spinster
1Derived forms of spinster
- spinsterhood, noun
- spinsterish, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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