Housework: meaning, definitions and examples

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housework

 

[ ˈhaʊswɜːrk ]

Context #1

daily chores

Housework refers to the tasks and chores that need to be done to maintain a clean, organized, and comfortable home. This can include cleaning, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, and other domestic responsibilities.

Synonyms

cleaning, domestic work, household chores

Examples of usage

  • I hate doing housework on the weekends.
  • She divides the housework with her roommates.
  • Do you have a schedule for your housework?
  • I usually listen to music while doing housework.
  • Housework can be tiring but rewarding.
Context #2

gender roles

Housework has historically been seen as primarily the responsibility of women, reflecting traditional gender roles. However, there is a growing movement towards sharing housework more equally among all members of a household.

Synonyms

chores, domestic duties, home tasks

Examples of usage

  • She resented being expected to do all the housework.
  • He believes in sharing the housework with his partner.
  • The division of housework can impact a relationship.
  • Housework stereotypes are changing in modern society.
  • Equal participation in housework is important for gender equality.

Translations

Translations of the word "housework" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trabalho doméstico

🇮🇳 गृहकार्य

🇩🇪 Hausarbeit

🇮🇩 pekerjaan rumah

🇺🇦 домашня робота

🇵🇱 prace domowe

🇯🇵 家事

🇫🇷 travail ménager

🇪🇸 trabajo doméstico

🇹🇷 ev işi

🇰🇷 가사

🇸🇦 أعمال منزلية

🇨🇿 domácí práce

🇸🇰 domáce práce

🇨🇳 家务

🇸🇮 hišna opravila

🇮🇸 heimilisstörf

🇰🇿 үй шаруасы

🇬🇪 სახლის საქმე

🇦🇿 ev işi

🇲🇽 trabajo doméstico

Word origin

The term 'housework' originated in the 19th century, combining 'house' and 'work' to describe the domestic tasks performed in a household. Historically, housework was primarily the responsibility of women, reflecting societal gender norms. Over time, attitudes towards housework have shifted, with a greater emphasis on shared responsibilities within households. Today, housework is recognized as an essential part of maintaining a home and is often divided among all members of a household.

See also: alehouse, hothouse, house, household, housekeeper, houseless, houselessness, housing, outhouse, rehousing, taphouse, unhoused.