Definition

Noun: A female principal or the woman in charge of a school, especially a private school.

Usage

The term "headmistress" specifically refers to a woman who holds the highest-ranking administrative position in a school. It is often used in the context of private, independent, or boarding schools. The role is equivalent to "principal" or "headteacher," but with a gendered specification.

Examples

• The headmistress announced a new scholarship program during assembly.
• Parents requested a meeting with the headmistress to discuss the curriculum changes.
• She was appointed headmistress of the prestigious academy last year.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes carry connotations of tradition, authority, and formality, particularly in British English and in the context of historic or elite institutions.
• In modern usage, the gender-neutral terms "headteacher" or "principal" are increasingly preferred to avoid gender specification.

Variants and Related Words

• Headmaster (noun): The male equivalent of a headmistress.
• Headteacher (noun): A gender-neutral term for the person in charge of a school.
• Principal (noun): A common term, especially in American English, for the chief administrator of a school.

Synonyms

Principal, headteacher, school director, rector (in some contexts).

Antonyms

There is no direct antonym, but subordinate roles include: teacher, assistant teacher, student.

Related Phrases

• Office of the headmistress: Refers to both the physical room and the administrative authority.
  • The report was sent directly to the office of the headmistress.
• Under the headmistress's leadership: Describing the period or conditions of her administration.
  • The school flourished under the headmistress's leadership.

Noun

1. a woman headmaster