Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person skilled in making a roof from plant stalks or foliage: A "thatcher" is a craftsperson whose job is to cover roofs with dry vegetation such as straw, reed, or similar materials. This is a traditional roofing method.
   • A specific British stateswoman: "Thatcher" (often capitalized) is used as a surname, most famously referring to Margaret Thatcher, the British stateswoman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Craftsperson):

  • The old cottage needed a new roof, so they hired a skilled thatcher.
  • He learned the trade from his father and became a master thatcher.

• Noun (Surname/Stateswoman):

  • Thatcher was a highly influential and controversial political figure.
  • Policies introduced during the Thatcher era had long-lasting effects.

Advanced Usage

• "The Thatcher years": Refers to the period of British history when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister.

  • The economic landscape changed dramatically during the Thatcher years.

• "Thatcherite" (adj/n): Pertaining to or a supporter of the policies or principles of Margaret Thatcher.

  • He holds strongly Thatcherite views on economics.

Variants and Related Words

• Thatching (n): The craft or activity of covering a roof with thatch; the material used for this purpose.

  • Thatching is a traditional skill that is still practiced in some regions.

• Thatched (adj): Describing a roof covered with thatch, or a building with such a roof.

  • They lived in a charming thatched cottage.

Synonyms

• Roof thatcher: A more descriptive term for the craftsperson.
• Margaret Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, The Iron Lady: Specific references to the former Prime Minister.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "To do a Thatcher" (informal, chiefly British): Sometimes used to refer to a decisive or uncompromising action, drawing on the perceived character of Margaret Thatcher.
  • The new manager decided to do a Thatcher and close the underperforming departments.

Noun

1. someone skilled in making a roof from plant stalks or foliage
2. British stateswoman; first woman to serve as Prime Minister (born in 1925)