Laundrywoman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งบ
laundrywoman
[หlษหndriหwสmษn ]
Definition
occupation, service
A laundrywoman is a female worker who is employed in a laundry. She is responsible for washing, ironing, and folding clothes and linens, ensuring that they are clean and presentable. Laundrywomen often work in various settings, including commercial laundries, hotels, and private households. The role may require familiarity with different fabrics and the appropriate washing techniques to maintain garment quality. In many cases, laundrywomen provide an essential service, particularly in busy urban areas where individuals may not have the time or facilities to manage their own laundry.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The laundrywoman efficiently sorted through the piles of dirty clothes.
- After a long day, the laundrywoman delivered freshly cleaned linens to the hotel.
- The community appreciated the hard work and dedication of the local laundrywoman.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- In early societies, washing clothes was traditionally a woman's task, often done at communal water sources like rivers.
- The advent of industrialization in the 19th century led to the rise of laundry businesses, changing the way people approached clothing care.
- During wartime, laundry services became essential, providing work for women and ensuring soldiers had clean uniforms.
Cultural References
- Laundrywomen often appear in literature, symbolizing hard work and resilience, especially in stories about the struggles of women.
- In films and shows, the role of the laundrywoman is sometimes portrayed humorously, showcasing the challenges of mundane jobs.
- Famous songs and poems have celebrated the lives of everyday workers, including those who engage in laundry.
Socioeconomic Aspects
- Historically, many laundrywomen were immigrants or women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, reflecting social class dynamics.
- The work of a laundrywoman can often be overlooked but is crucial in supporting families and communities.
- With the growth of the gig economy, some individuals now offer laundry services as flexible, part-time work.
Technology Innovation
- The introduction of washing machines in the 20th century drastically changed the workflow and efficiency for laundry work.
- Today, many laundry services utilize apps for scheduling pickups and deliveries, modernizing the traditional role.
- Advancements in eco-friendly detergents and washing technology promote sustainability in the laundry industry.
Origin of 'laundrywoman'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'laundry' comes from the French word 'lingerie', which means linen or things to be washed.
- The suffix '-woman' has been used historically to denote female professions, making it clear who does the work in laundry services.
- Originally, laundry work was done at home before the creation of laundromats and commercial laundry services.
The term 'laundrywoman' combines 'laundry,' which comes from the Middle English 'laundre,' meaning 'to wash,' and 'woman,' indicating a female person. The concept of laundry as a service predates the word itself, with washing clothes being a task traditionally assigned to women in various cultures. Historically, the role of the laundrywoman became more established during the Industrial Revolution, when urbanization led to increased demand for laundry services. Women found employment in laundries, where they would wash clothes for families and businesses alike. As social dynamics evolved, the profession slowly transformed, but the term remained to identify women working specifically in laundry services.