washwoman
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A woman whose occupation is washing clothes, typically for payment; a laundress.
Usage
The term "washwoman" specifically refers to a female laundry worker. It describes a person, not the action or place of washing. * She worked as a washwoman to support her family. * In the 19th century, many washwomen took in laundry from wealthier households.
Advanced Usage
- The term is now considered somewhat dated or historical, as the occupation has largely been replaced by commercial laundries and home appliances. Modern equivalents might be "laundry worker" or "laundress," though the latter is also less common.
Variants and Related Words
- Washerwoman: A direct synonym for "washwoman."
- Laundress: A woman who washes and irons clothes, especially professionally.
- Launderer: A gender-neutral term for a person who launders clothes, though it can also refer to a person who engages in money laundering.
- Laundry worker: A modern, general term for someone employed in a laundry service.
Synonyms
Laundress, washerwoman.
Antonyms
There is no direct antonym, as it is a specific occupation. Contextual opposites could be a person who sends out laundry (e.g., a client, customer) or a person in a different, non-manual profession.
Noun
- a working woman who takes in washing