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Spinster: meaning, definitions and examples

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spinster

 

[ ˈspɪn.stər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

unmarried woman

A spinster is traditionally defined as a woman who is unmarried, typically beyond the usual age of marrying. Historically, the term has been associated with a negative connotation, implying that a woman is single because she is undesirable or has failed to find a spouse. In contemporary usage, 'spinster' can carry different meanings, some of which may be reclaimed positively by women who choose to remain single or who prioritize independent living over traditional marriage. The term has seen a decline in use in modern contexts due to its outdated implications and the shift in societal views regarding marriage and independence.

Synonyms

bachelorette, single lady, unmarried woman.

Examples of usage

  • She was happily living her life as a spinster.
  • In old literature, many characters are depicted as spinsters.
  • The town had a few spinsters who owned their own businesses.
  • He introduced her jokingly as a proud spinster at the gathering.

Translations

Translations of the word "spinster" in other languages:

🇵🇹 solteira

🇮🇳 कुमारी

🇩🇪 Jungfer

🇮🇩 perawan

🇺🇦 незаміжня

🇵🇱 stara panna

🇯🇵 独身女性

🇫🇷 demoiselle

🇪🇸 soltera

🇹🇷 bekar kadın

🇰🇷 독신 여성

🇸🇦 عزباء

🇨🇿 slečna

🇸🇰 pani

🇨🇳 单身女性

🇸🇮 osamela ženska

🇮🇸 ókvænt kona

🇰🇿 бойдақ әйел

🇬🇪 არაოჯახური

🇦🇿 subay qadın

🇲🇽 soltera

Etymology

The word 'spinster' originates from the Middle English term 'spinster', which comes from the Old French 'espinistre' and the Latin 'spinnere', meaning 'to spin'. Traditionally, a spinster referred to a woman who spun thread or yarn, a craft that was often associated with unmarried women. During the late Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, the term evolved to denote a woman who remained single, particularly one who was older and not likely to marry. The negative connotations of spinsters, often tied to social stigma, began to emerge in the 18th and 19th centuries. Social expectations during these times placed significant value on women marrying, and those who did not were often viewed with pity or suspicion. In the modern context, while the term retains its traditional meaning, it is often viewed as outdated and is sometimes used with a degree of irony or in a reclaimed manner by women who embrace singlehood.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,569, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.