maidservant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "maidservant" is usable in written English and is well written.
It can be used in historical or literary contexts to refer to a female servant who performs domestic duties. Example: "In the grand estate, the maidservant diligently attended to the needs of the household." Alternatives include "female servant" or "domestic worker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My father was a milkman for more than 30 years, my mother a maidservant in a very posh area of London for 20.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fact remains that she giggled hysterically when in the company of her in-laws, refused to eat and took to going to bed with her maidservant.

The Economist

She covers biblical kissing, the French ban on la bise during the recent swine-flu scare, and much in between, such as Samuel Pepys's wife discovering his illicit kiss with a maidservant, an account he perhaps should not have included in his diary.The most delightful section, however, is "Cultural Kisses".

The Economist

The scenario used symmetrical pairs of characters: two elderly men, two lovers, two zanni, a maidservant, a soldier, and extras.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some months later a maidservant was boiled at King's Lynn for poisoning her mistress, and in 1542 Margaret Davy or Dawes, a servant, was boiled at Smithfield for poisoning her employer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sculptures that are closest in spirit to the quiet dignity of the great 17th- and 18th-century genre paintings of Johannes Vermeer and Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin are perhaps certain Greek tombstones, such as that of the Stele of Hegeso, which represents a quiet, absorbed moment when a seated young woman and her maidservant are looking at a necklace they have just removed from a casket.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tribe was named after the younger of two sons born to Jacob (also called Israel) and Zilpah, the maidservant of Jacob's first wife,.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the end of the play, Sergius has promised himself to the maidservant Louka, whose fiancé, the manservant Nicola, willingly forgoes his claim to her, and Raina has become engaged to Bluntschli, who has just inherited a number of Swiss hotels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tribe was named after the first of two sons born to Jacob (also called Israel) and Bilhah, the maidservant of Jacob's second wife,.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Columbina, a maidservant, was often paired in love matches with Arlecchino, Pedrolino, or the Capitano.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two other tribes, Gad and Asher, were named after sons born to Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maidservant", consider the historical or literary context. It's most appropriate when referring to a specific time period or social setting where this term was commonly used.

Common error

Using "maidservant" in modern contexts can sound outdated or even offensive. Opt for more neutral terms like "domestic worker" or "housekeeper" when referring to someone currently employed in domestic service.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "maidservant" is as a noun. It typically refers to a female person employed to perform domestic tasks. Ludwig shows examples of its usage in historical narratives and literary contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

37%

Books

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "maidservant" is a noun denoting a female domestic servant, commonly found in historical and literary contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in sources such as news media and encyclopedias. While the term is valid, it's important to consider its potential to sound outdated in contemporary settings, where alternatives like "domestic worker" or "housekeeper" may be more appropriate. When using "maidservant", consider the historical, literary, or social implications of your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

female servant

A more general term referring to any female individual employed as a servant.

housemaid

Specifically refers to a female servant who performs cleaning and other household tasks.

domestic worker

A modern and more neutral term for someone employed in domestic service.

female domestic

Similar to domestic worker but explicitly specifying the gender.

serving girl

Implies youth and a lower status, often used in historical contexts.

domestic help

A broad term indicating assistance within the household, provided by a female.

scullery maid

Specifically refers to a maid working in the scullery, responsible for washing dishes and kitchen tasks.

chambermaid

A maid who cleans and maintains bedrooms and private rooms.

kitchen maid

A maid who works in the kitchen, assisting with food preparation and cleaning.

hired girl

Term suggesting an informal or temporary employment arrangement.

FAQs

What does "maidservant" mean?

A "maidservant" is a female domestic servant, typically performing household chores and duties. The term is often associated with historical contexts.

Is it appropriate to use the term "maidservant" today?

While not inherently offensive, "maidservant" can sound outdated in modern contexts. Consider using alternatives like "domestic worker" or "housekeeper".

What are some synonyms for "maidservant"?

Synonyms include "female servant", "housemaid", and "domestic help", depending on the specific role and context.

How can I use "maidservant" in a sentence?

Example: "In the Victorian era, the "maidservant" was an essential part of many households."