Meaning & Definition of word "Spinster"

Spinster

/ˈspɪnstər/

1. An unmarried woman, typically one who is older and considered beyond the usual age for marriage.
- Example: In the early 20th century, a spinster was often viewed with pity by society.
2. A woman who has never married and is often perceived as being independent or self-sufficient.
- Example: She embraced her identity as a spinster and lived life on her own terms.
3. A term that may carry connotations of disapproval regarding a woman's marital status.
- Example: The gossip at the tea party centered around the spinster who lived next door.
4. Historically, a term for a woman who spins thread for a living, though this usage is largely obsolete.
- Example: The village spinster would spin cloth from dawn till dusk, creating beautiful fabrics.

From Middle English 'spynster', which originally meant 'a woman who spins (wool)'

old maid:

An older unmarried woman, often with pejorative connotations.

spinsters and bachelors:

A phrase to refer to unmarried individuals, often used in contrast.

bachelorette:

A woman who is unmarried, often used in contexts related to events like bachelorette parties.

single:

A person who is not in a romantic relationship.

Meaning: Cat lady

Example Sentence: She embraced her identity as a cat lady, a modern spinster with her furry friends.

Meaning: Miss Havisham

Example Sentence: She was always dressed in white and isolated herself, like a Miss Havisham from the novel.