Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Stewardess Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

✈️
Add to dictionary

stewardess

[ˈstjuːərdəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on an airplane

A stewardess is a female flight attendant who is responsible for the comfort and safety of passengers during a flight. Stewardesses typically assist passengers with seating, serve meals and drinks, and provide information about safety procedures.

Synonyms

air hostess, flight attendant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stewardess

This term is considered outdated and can be seen as gender-specific. It was more commonly used in the mid-20th century to refer to female cabin crew.

  • The stewardess served drinks to the passengers.
  • Back in the 1960s, many airlines hired stewardesses.
flight attendant

This is the most modern and gender-neutral term used today. It refers to any member of the cabin crew, regardless of gender, responsible for passenger safety and comfort.

  • The flight attendant asked everyone to fasten their seatbelts.
  • Flight attendants are trained to handle emergencies.
air hostess

Similar to 'stewardess', this term is also considered outdated and gender-specific. It's more common in British English and refers to a female member of the cabin crew.

  • The air hostess instructed everyone on the safety procedures.
  • She always wanted to be an air hostess when she was young.

Examples of usage

  • She greeted the passengers with a warm smile, just like a professional stewardess.
  • The stewardess demonstrated how to use the oxygen mask in case of emergency.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

In the past, a stewardess was a female employee on a ship responsible for the care and welfare of passengers. The role of a stewardess has evolved over time to primarily refer to flight attendants on airplanes.

Synonyms

ship steward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stewardess

A term traditionally used to describe female flight attendants aboard airplanes. Though the term is dated and can be considered sexist, as it implies that the job is gender-specific.

  • The stewardess smiled as she handed me the drinks menu.
  • In the past, airlines often employed young, attractive stewardesses to cater to passengers.
ship steward

Used to describe someone, often on a cruise ship or a large vessel, responsible for the passengers' well-being, hospitality and sometimes administrative tasks.

  • The ship steward greeted us as we boarded and showed us to our cabin.
  • During the voyage, the ship steward made sure we had everything we needed.

Examples of usage

  • The stewardess on the Titanic played a crucial role in assisting passengers during the tragic sinking.
  • Back in the 1950s, stewardesses were required to meet strict height and weight requirements.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'stewardess' began being used in the early 1930s as women entered the airline workforce to care for passengers.
  • Originally, the role was filled by young women who were nurses or were trained in first aid to ensure passenger safety.

Changing Roles

  • Over the years, the role of a stewardess has evolved to include extensive training in emergency procedures and customer service skills.
  • Today, many airlines prefer the gender-neutral term 'flight attendant' to describe all cabin crew members, regardless of gender.

Cultural Impact

  • The portrayal of stewardesses in movies and television has often reflected societal norms and changes, leading to stereotypes of glamour and hospitality.
  • In the 1960s, stewardesses were expected to maintain a certain image and were often required to meet strict appearance standards.

Work Environment

  • Flight attendants often work long hours and deal with challenging situations such as turbulence or difficult passengers, showcasing their adaptability.
  • The job requires being away from home for extended periods, with many attendants developing unique coping strategies to manage travel fatigue.

Safety Regulations

  • Stewardesses undergo rigorous training in emergency evacuation procedures and are often the first responders in case of in-flight medical emergencies.
  • They play a crucial role in implementing safety protocols, such as demonstrating the use of seatbelts and life jackets before a flight.

Origin of 'stewardess'

The term 'stewardess' originated in the early 1900s and was initially used to describe female employees who provided care and service on ships. The role later transitioned to the aviation industry, where stewardesses became synonymous with female flight attendants. Over the years, the term has evolved to be more inclusive, and the job title 'flight attendant' is now commonly used for both men and women in the airline industry.

See also: stewardship.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,749, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.