Workwoman: meaning, definitions and examples
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workwoman
[ ˈwɜrkˌwʊmən ]
female worker
A workwoman is a female worker, especially one who performs manual or labor-intensive tasks. This term is often used in contexts where the distinction between genders in the workplace is significant, such as in trades or industrial sectors. It is less commonly used in modern language but can still be found in legal or formal documents.
Synonyms
female worker, laborer, working woman.
Examples of usage
- The workwoman in the factory efficiently operated the machinery.
- She was recognized as a prominent workwoman in her industry.
- The organization supported workwomen to achieve equal pay.
- As a workwoman, she faced unique challenges in her job.
Etymology
The term 'workwoman' combines the word 'work', which refers to physical or mental effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result, and 'woman', which denotes an adult female human. The word 'work' dates back to Old English 'weorc', which has Germanic roots, while 'woman' originates from the Old English term 'wīfmann', made up of 'wīf' meaning 'woman' and 'mann' meaning 'person' or 'human'. Over time, the plural forms of such compound terms have led to the modern understanding of gendered roles in society. The use of 'workwoman' highlights the distinction of women in the workforce, especially in segments traditionally dominated by men. Its use has declined in recent years as gender-neutral terms like 'worker' have gained prominence, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards gender equality in the workplace.