Housewife

/ˈhaʊsˌwaɪf/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A married woman whose main occupation is managing the household and taking care of the family, often without being formally employed outside the home.

After having children, she decided to become a housewife to focus on raising them.

A woman who performs domestic duties such as cleaning, cooking, and budgeting for the family.

The housewife skillfully managed the family budget while planning meals for the week.

A term often used informally to describe a woman who is primarily responsible for domestic tasks.

Despite being a housewife, she remained active in her community through various volunteer activities.

Etymology

The term 'housewife' is derived from the Old English 'hūswif,' literally meaning 'female head of the household.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

housewife's work:

Refers to the duties and tasks commonly associated with running a household.

housewife syndrome:

A term used to describe feelings of dissatisfaction among housewives who feel isolated or unfulfilled.

the housewife's agenda:

A humorous or critical term referring to the daily schedule of a housewife.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Mrs.

A 'Mrs.' is often a term of endearment for a housewife.

Wifey

They often refer to their housewives as 'wifey' to express affection.