usherette
/, 'ret/
Definition
Noun: A female usher; specifically, a woman or girl whose job is to show people to their seats in a theater, cinema, or other public venue.
Usage
The word "usherette" is used to refer to a woman employed to guide patrons to their assigned seats. It is a gender-specific term derived from "usher." While historically common, its use has declined in favor of the gender-neutral term "usher."
Examples
- The usherette checked our tickets with a flashlight and showed us to row J.
- In the old cinema, an usherette would walk down the aisle selling ice cream during the intermission.
- She worked as an usherette at the theater to earn money while studying drama.
Advanced Usage
- The term can evoke a sense of nostalgia or a bygone era in entertainment, as the role of a dedicated person showing seats has become less common in modern multiplex cinemas.
- It is sometimes used in a historical or descriptive context when referring to traditional theater or cinema operations.
Variants and Related Words
- Usher (noun/verb): The standard, gender-neutral term for a person who shows people to their seats. As a verb, it means to guide or escort someone.
- Attendant (noun): A more general term for a person employed to provide a service to the public in a particular place.
Synonyms
- Seat attendant
- Ticket taker (though this can be a separate role)
- Guide (in this specific context)
Notes on Usage
"Usherette" is a dated term. In contemporary English, "usher" is preferred for all genders to avoid gender-specific job titles. You will most likely encounter "usherette" in historical descriptions, classic films, or literature.
Noun
-
a female usher
