Houseman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🏡
houseman
[ˈhaʊs.mən ]
Definitions
domestic worker
A houseman is a male worker in a household, often responsible for various domestic tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, and sometimes cooking. In some contexts, the term can also refer to a person who works in a hospital or medical setting, typically assisting doctors and nurses.
Synonyms
attendant, domestic worker, housekeeper.
Examples of usage
- The houseman took care of the estate's gardens.
- As a houseman, he cleaned and maintained the large house.
- In the hospital, the houseman helped with patient care.
medical assistant
In medical terminology, a houseman refers to a junior doctor who is undergoing training in a hospital. This term is used primarily in the UK and other Commonwealth countries to describe early-career physicians who are learning on the job under the supervision of senior medical staff.
Synonyms
intern, junior doctor, resident.
Examples of usage
- The houseman attended to patients under the watchful eye of senior doctors.
- New housemen receive orientation before starting their shifts.
- She worked as a houseman in the surgical department.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'houseman'
The term 'houseman' has its origins in the early 19th century, combining the word 'house', which derives from the Old English 'hus' meaning 'dwelling, shelter', and 'man', derived from the Old English 'man', meaning 'human being or person'. Initially, it referred to a male servant or worker in a household, a role that was more common in eras when domestic staff were prevalent in middle and upper-class homes. Over time, the term has evolved in certain regions, particularly in the medical field, where it became associated with trainee doctors in hospitals. The shift in meaning reflects broader changes in society’s structure and the professionalization of medical training.