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Housewife - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A housewife is a woman who manages her household, typically taking care of domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning, and raising children, often without formal employment outside the home.

housewife

/ˈhaʊsˌwaɪf/ /ˈhaʊsˌwaɪf/

Definition:

A woman who manages her household as her main occupation.

Synonyms:

homemaker, stay-at-home mom, domestic engineer

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

working woman, career woman

Common Collocations:

busy housewife, traditional housewife, modern housewife

Derivatives:

housewifely, housewifery

Usage Tips:

Use "housewife" to describe a woman primarily managing a home; avoid outdated stereotypes in modern contexts.

Common Phrases:

happy housewife, devoted housewife, housewife duties

Etymology:

From Old English "hūs" (house) + "wīf" (woman), originally meaning a married woman managing a home.

Examples:

  • 1. She is a dedicated housewife who enjoys cooking and cleaning.
  • 2. The housewife organized the family’s weekly meals efficiently.
  • 3. Many modern women balance careers alongside being a housewife.
  • 4. Her grandmother was a traditional housewife in the 1950s.

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