womanhood

American  

[woom-uhn-hood] / ˈwʊm ənˌhʊd /

noun

1. the state of being a woman; womanly character or qualities.

2. women collectively.

   American womanhood.

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womanhood British  

/ ˈwʊmənˌhʊd /

noun

1. the state or quality of being a woman or being womanly

2. women collectively

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Etymology

Origin of womanhood

A Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; woman, -hood

Example Sentences

Throughout the film, the director inserts shots of flowers that, though pretty and well-composed, don’t add much to her story of burgeoning womanhood for anyone who has seen a few Georgia O’Keeffe paintings.

From The Wall Street Journal

While she has since embraced her womanhood, she says she still lives with the irreversible effects—including chronic pain, a low voice, excessive hair growth and the inability to breastfeed her child.

From The Wall Street Journal

For Collins, “Shirley Valentine” was more than just an ode to womanhood, self-love and self-discovery.

From Los Angeles Times

Her breezy, layered menswear in that film became a cultural touchstone, symbolizing a new kind of womanhood — intellectual, self-assured and a little eccentric.

From Salon

Much of tradwives’ messaging revolves around cultural flash points, problems that underscore anxiety about modern womanhood: challenges in forming stable relationships, providing nutritious meals, and building a career while trying to raise a family.

From Salon