Washerwomen: meaning, definitions and examples
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washerwomen
[ ˈwɔːʃərˌwɪmɪn ]
occupation, women
Washerwomen are women who wash clothes, typically for a living. They often worked at home or in commercial laundries and were common in the pre-industrial and industrial eras. This occupation involved laundering garments, linens, and other fabrics by hand, using washing boards and wash tubs. In many societies, washerwomen played a crucial role in community life, providing an essential service while often coming together to socialize during their work.
Synonyms
clothes washer, laundress, laundry worker
Examples of usage
- The washerwomen gathered at the river each morning.
- She became one of the most respected washerwomen in the town.
- Historically, washerwomen faced many challenges but formed strong bonds with each other.
- In some cultures, washerwomen were known for their singing while they worked.
Translations
Translations of the word "washerwomen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lavadeiras
🇮🇳 धोबी महिलाएं
🇩🇪 Waschfrauen
🇮🇩 perempuan pencuci
🇺🇦 пральниці
🇵🇱 praczki
🇯🇵 洗濯女
🇫🇷 lessiveuses
🇪🇸 lavanderas
🇹🇷 çamaşır kadınları
🇰🇷 세탁 여성
🇸🇦 غسالات
🇨🇿 praní žen
🇸🇰 práčky
🇨🇳 洗衣女工
🇸🇮 perice
🇮🇸 þvottakonur
🇰🇿 жуынды жуатын әйелдер
🇬🇪 სარეცხი ქალები
🇦🇿 yuyucu qadınlar
🇲🇽 lavanderas
Etymology
The term 'washerwoman' dates back to the 15th century, emerging from the Middle English word 'washer' and the addition of 'woman' to specify gender. The role of the washerwoman became particularly significant during the Industrial Revolution, as women sought work outside the home to support their families. Before this, laundry was primarily done at home, but with urbanization, washerwomen began providing professional services. Their work was often labor-intensive, involving boiling water and scrubbing clothes, which could be seen in both urban and rural settings. These women frequently formed informal networks, sharing resources and assisting each other, which fostered a sense of community. Over time, as technology and the availability of washing machines evolved, the traditional image of the washerwoman began to fade, but the term still remains relevant in historical contexts.