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

The characters’ propensity for ugly faces, silliness and a bit of grossness too, stems from the portrayals of girlhood and young womanhood that appeal to them.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

"Your wild imagination, your brave untethered womanhood, your ferocious gentleness is a guiding light to me."

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

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 • Nov. 26, 2025

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 • Sep. 22, 2025

Making strong statements about their womanhood helped them to cope with these issues.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein