spinster

noun

spin·​ster ˈspin(t)-stər How to pronounce spinster (audio)
1
: a woman whose occupation is to spin
2
a
archaic : an unmarried woman of gentle family
b
: an unmarried woman and especially one past the common age for marrying
3
: a woman who seems unlikely to marry
spinsterhood noun
spinsterish adjective
spinsterly adjective

Examples of spinster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dafoe, an actor who has played more than his fair share of villains, is exceptionally crazed here as Thomas Wake, basically a lonely, manipulative spinster who treats the lighthouse like his own palace. Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024 The great spinsters of literature were often portrayed as, if not monstrous, then ugly, cruel and unwanted. Scottie Andrew, CNN, 27 July 2024 But Anthony can’t seem to stop thinking about Edwina’s spinster sister Kate. Kari Sonde, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024 Cats once again became associated with spinsters gone mad. Scottie Andrew, CNN, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for spinster 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinster was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near spinster

Cite this Entry

“Spinster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinster. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

spinster

noun
spin·​ster ˈspin(t)-stər How to pronounce spinster (audio)
1
: a woman whose occupation is to spin
2
: an unmarried woman past the usual age for marrying
spinsterhood noun
spinsterish adjective
spinsterly adverb
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