Housewife: meaning, definitions and examples
🏠👩🍳
housewife
[ ˈhaʊsˌwaɪf ]
domestic role
A housewife is a woman whose main occupation is managing the household and taking care of the family. This may include cooking, cleaning, and caring for children, among other responsibilities. Traditionally, housewives were viewed as the central figures in the home, contributing significantly to family life and support. In modern contexts, the role of a housewife might also encompass managing family finances and planning activities. While some housewives choose this role voluntarily, others may find themselves in it due to societal expectations or other circumstances.
Synonyms
domestic engineer, homemaker, housekeeper, stay-at-home mom.
Examples of usage
- The housewife prepared dinner for her family.
- Many housewives find joy in gardening and home decoration.
- As a housewife, she often volunteers at her children's school.
- The housewife budgeted carefully to manage their expenses.
Translations
Translations of the word "housewife" in other languages:
🇵🇹 dona de casa
🇮🇳 गृहिणी
🇩🇪 Hausfrau
🇮🇩 ibu rumah tangga
🇺🇦 домогосподарка
🇵🇱 gospodyni domowa
🇯🇵 主婦
🇫🇷 femme au foyer
🇪🇸 ama de casa
🇹🇷 ev hanımı
🇰🇷 주부
🇸🇦 ربة منزل
🇨🇿 domácí žena
🇸🇰 domáca žena
🇨🇳 家庭主妇
🇸🇮 gospodinja
🇮🇸 húsfreyja
🇰🇿 үй шаруашылығының әйелi
🇬🇪 მსახური ქალი
🇦🇿 evdar qadın
🇲🇽 ama de casa
Etymology
The term 'housewife' has its origins in the Old English word 'hūswif', which is a combination of 'hūs', meaning house, and 'wif', meaning woman. The concept of a housewife has evolved throughout history, reflecting changes in societal roles and gender expectations. In many cultures, a housewife was regarded as the primary caregiver and manager of the home, particularly in agrarian societies where domestic duties were crucial for family survival. With the industrial revolution and the rise of urban living, the role began to shift as more women entered the workforce. Despite these changes, the term 'housewife' has remained prevalent, and discussions around its implications continue, raising questions about gender equality and the value of domestic work. The term can sometimes carry stereotypes, but many women proudly embrace the role, seeing it as an important contribution to family and society.