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Definition of spinsterhood

spinsterhood

/ˈspɪn.stɚ.hʊd/
spin · ster · hood
Adjective:spinsterly
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spinsterhood Lexical Profile

spinsterhood Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or condition of being an unmarried woman, especially one who has remained single beyond the conventional age for marriage.

Example

"In nineteenth-century literature, choosing a life of independent spinsterhood was rarely portrayed as a socially acceptable option for women."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for spinsterhood

Word Nuance & Usage

In contemporary usage, "spinsterhood" is largely considered dated or derogatory due to historical stereotypes regarding older unmarried women, though it is commonly used neutrally in historical and sociological contexts.

• Nearby Words

spinosaurus
spinout
spinster
spinsterhood
spiny
spiny bush viper
spiny dogfish

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from "spinster" and the Old English suffix "-hood" (meaning state or condition). In the Middle Ages, a "spinster" literally referred to a woman who spun thread for a living, a trade frequently practiced by unmarried women to support themselves.

Cite this Entry

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