bachelorette

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'bachelorette' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to an unmarried woman who is typically in her mid-to-late twenties or older and is perceived as being too old to be married, often due to her own choice. Example: I attended my friend's bachelorette party last weekend to celebrate her upcoming wedding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a sign for bachelorette parties, would the phrase "Bachelorette Out of Control" be more appropriate than "Bachelorette's Out of Control"?

The Economist

Yes, we know that our Google searches are recorded and used to refine Google's algorithm, that our behavior on social media is shared with advertisers, and that if we neglect to adjust our privacy settings, any stranger can see the photo from our college roommate's bachelorette party.

The New Yorker

A group of five in tight black minidresses — a bachelorette party — accosted Nazarian.

The New Yorker

In the next few weeks, Trista the bachelorette will finally choose her man, Joe Millionaire will come clean, Demi Moore will play an ex-babysitter on "Will & Grace," and "Dateline NBC" will devote a full, solemn hour to the medical marvel that is Michael Jackson's face.

The New Yorker

But the play belongs to Chimo ("Bachelorette"), a redoubtable and chameleonic talent, who draws on many things, not least her mercurial "ethnic" looks, in her consistently dazzling stage performances.

The New Yorker

"At comedy clubs, there was, like, bachelorette parties and older people," Ansari says.

The New Yorker

Yet none seemed quite possible for a pair of new arrivals, one night, when a bachelorette party, composed mainly of young women with aurora-borealis-themed eyeshadow, thronged the strobe-lit dance floor, bowling alley, and a dozen leather banquettes.

The New Yorker

But, watching "Fashion Police," Rivers's celebrity panel, with its "twat" gags, I'd get queasy, the way I've felt at a bad bachelorette party: Is this how we bond?

The New Yorker

The only thing I want coming out of my body is a contented sigh when I've eaten an extra-tasty Toblerone in my baby-free bachelorette pad filled with non-baby-proofed coffee-table corners and sharp Toblerone vending machines.

The New Yorker

The shareable portions and the long list of margaritas are also conducive to larger festive gatherings, a point seemingly not lost on organizers of bachelorette parties.

The New Yorker

Other benefits went to their five adult children: a plane ride to a bachelorette party, fifteen thousand dollars for the catering of a wedding, more golf gear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bachelorette" to specifically refer to an unmarried woman in the context of a pre-wedding celebration. It's most appropriate when discussing events like "bachelorette parties" or related activities.

Common error

Avoid using "bachelorette" when a more general term like "single woman" or "unmarried woman" is more appropriate, especially if there is no connection with wedding celebrations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bachelorette" is that of a noun. It refers to an unmarried woman, particularly in the context of celebrations before her wedding. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples from news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "bachelorette" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an unmarried woman, often in the context of pre-wedding festivities. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct, very common, and primarily used in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to consider the audience and context, using more formal alternatives like "unmarried woman" when appropriate. Common usage includes references to "bachelorette parties" and related celebrations, although it is key to avoid misuse by ensuring relevance to wedding-related festivities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmarried woman

Focuses on marital status, lacking the celebratory connotation.

single woman

Highlights being unmarried but omits the context of impending marriage.

bride-to-be's celebration

Emphasizes the event rather than the individual.

pre-wedding party for the bride

More descriptive, focusing on the event's purpose.

hen party

A British term, culturally specific and less universally understood.

stagette party

A less common alternative term for a bachelorette party.

woman before her wedding

Descriptive but lacks the celebratory nuance.

soon-to-be-married woman

Highlights the impending marriage but not the celebration.

unmarried woman celebrating her upcoming wedding

A verbose alternative that lacks conciseness.

female getting married

Very general and omits the celebratory aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "bachelorette" in a sentence?

You can use "bachelorette" to refer to a single woman or in the context of a party, for example: "She is a "eligible bachelorette"" or "We're planning a surprise trip for the bachelorette."

What can I say instead of "bachelorette"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "single woman", "unmarried woman", or "bride-to-be".

Is it appropriate to use "bachelorette" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the audience. In formal contexts, "unmarried woman" may be a more suitable substitute for "bachelorette".

What's the difference between a "bachelorette" and a "bride"?

A "bachelorette" is an unmarried woman, typically celebrating her impending marriage, while a "bride" is a woman on her wedding day or during the wedding ceremony.