house maid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "house maid" is correct and usable in written English, although it is often written as one word: "housemaid." You can use it to refer to a person employed to perform domestic tasks in a household, such as cleaning and cooking.
Example: "The housemaid arrived early in the morning to start her chores before the family woke up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"When the house maid came inside the house, she opened the door.

The Guardian

She ended up on her own at 14, working as a house maid.

The Guardian

Now working as a house maid, Ms Bibi spent months in prison with her one-year-old baby while the case was being decided, she said.

Independent

The iconic house maid becomes one of the best-known robot characters in recent history.

Forbes

Roma, the Netflix film that tells the story of a family and their house maid in Mexico, was nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, and won Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film, and Best Cinematography.

Forbes

The daughter of a house maid and a handyman, Wright was born May 18 , 1929 in Old Forge, Pa.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Girls in the local area would otherwise be coerced into being house maids or selling incense sticks in the slum.

The Guardian

Anywhere else in the world this cardboard city would raise eyebrows, but not in Hong Kong.For a few weeks, small fortune has favoured the weekend influx of such house maids who take up the pavements, overpasses and public squares of Central on a typical Hong Kong Sunday.

The Economist

He makes a pass at one of the house maids.

Forbes

Children get their sexual information from discussing the matter with friends, mothers, and even the house maids.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

"We train them so they get employment instead of going to work as house maids".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "house maid", consider the context and audience. In some cases, more modern or respectful terms like "domestic helper" or "household employee" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using the term "maid" in contexts where it may be perceived as demeaning or disrespectful. Opt for more neutral terms like "domestic worker" or "house cleaner" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "house maid" functions as a compound noun, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and usable. It identifies a specific role within a household. Examples show its use in news articles and personal stories.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "house maid" is a compound noun referring to a person employed for domestic work. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI confirms it may sound outdated in modern contexts, suggesting alternatives like "domestic helper" or "house cleaner". Usage is common in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While the phrase remains understandable, consider more respectful and contemporary alternatives in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domestic helper

Replaces "maid" with a more modern and respectful term, focusing on assistance within the household.

domestic worker

A broad term encompassing various types of work done in a home.

household employee

Emphasizes the employment aspect of the role, highlighting the formal relationship.

home help

Highlights the assistance provided within the home environment.

cleaning lady

Focuses specifically on the cleaning duties performed.

residential cleaner

Emphasizes the cleaning aspect within a residential setting.

housekeeper

Implies a more comprehensive role involving managing the household.

cleaning professional

Highlights the skill and expertise involved in cleaning.

in-house cleaner

Specifies that the cleaning is done within the house.

live-in help

Highlights that the person lives in the same residence where they provide assistance.

FAQs

What does "house maid" mean?

A "house maid" is a person employed to perform domestic tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and sometimes cooking in a private household.

What can I say instead of "house maid"?

You can use alternatives like "domestic helper", "household employee", or "cleaning lady" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "house maid" in modern English?

While "house maid" is grammatically correct, it can sound outdated. Terms like "domestic worker" or "house cleaner" are often preferred in contemporary usage.

What is the difference between a "house maid" and a "housekeeper"?

A "house maid" primarily focuses on cleaning tasks, while a "housekeeper" often has broader responsibilities that may include managing household staff, running errands, and overseeing household operations.