Milkmaid: meaning, definitions and examples
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milkmaid
[ ˈmɪlkˌmeɪd ]
profession, dairy
A milkmaid is a woman who is employed to milk cows and manage dairy production. Historically, milkmaids played a crucial role in agricultural communities, where dairy farming was a significant aspect of local economies. They often took pride in their work and had specialized skills for handling livestock and producing milk products. While the profession has become less common with modern technology, the term is often used nostalgically in literature and art to evoke rural or pastoral life.
Synonyms
dairy farmer, dairywoman, milker.
Examples of usage
- The milkmaid skillfully milked the cow in the early morning.
- In the village, the local milkmaid was known for her fresh dairy products.
- The painting portrayed a serene scene of a milkmaid in a pastoral setting.
Translations
Translations of the word "milkmaid" in other languages:
🇵🇹 leiteira
🇮🇳 दूधवाली
🇩🇪 Milchmädchen
🇮🇩 penggembala susu
🇺🇦 молочниця
🇵🇱 mleczarka
🇯🇵 ミルクメイド
🇫🇷 laitière
🇪🇸 lechera
🇹🇷 sütçü
🇰🇷 우유 소녀
🇸🇦 حليب ربة المنزل
🇨🇿 mlékařka
🇸🇰 mliekarka
🇨🇳 奶娘
🇸🇮 mlekarica
🇮🇸 mjólkurstelpur
🇰🇿 сүтші
🇬🇪 რძის მომავალი
🇦🇿 südçü
🇲🇽 lechera
Etymology
The term 'milkmaid' combines the words 'milk' and 'maid'. The word 'milk' comes from Old English 'melc', which is derived from Proto-Germanic '*meluks', and has been used to describe the nutritious liquid produced by mammals for thousands of years. 'Maid' derives from the Old English 'mægden', meaning a young woman or girl. Historically, milkmaids were prevalent in agrarian societies, especially before the advent of mechanized farming, when milking was a manual task. They were often depicted in art and literature, embodying rural life and femininity. The milkmaid symbolizes simplicity and hard work, and her image has persisted in cultural references over the centuries.