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Definition of schoolmistress

schoolmistress

/ˈskuːlˌmɪs.trəs/
school · mis · tress
Plural:schoolmistresses
•
Adjective:schoolmistressy
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schoolmistress Lexical Profile

schoolmistress Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A female teacher or head of a school, especially in a historical or traditional British context.

Example

"The village schoolmistress taught children of all ages in a single wooden classroom."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for schoolmistress
Antonyms
View all antonyms for schoolmistress

Word Nuance & Usage

In contemporary English, "schoolmistress" is dated and largely replaced by gender-neutral terms like "teacher" or "principal," though it remains common in historical contexts or British English.

• Nearby Words

schoolmarm
schoolmaster
schoolmate
schoolmistress
schoolroom
schoolteacher
schoolteaching

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English as a compound of "school" (from Latin schola) and "mistress" (from Old French maistresse), serving as the female counterpart to "schoolmaster."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Schoolmistress. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/schoolmistress
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