spinster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spinster" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an unmarried woman, often one who is older and considered unlikely to marry. Example: "In the early 20th century, many women were labeled as spinsters if they remained unmarried past a certain age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Holland recalls an Old Vic production in which Wilfred Brambell played the stationmaster for laughs, prompting the author to wail: "You've ruined my play!" One wonders what he would have made of an elderly spinster played by a Spanish actor in drag, or of the appearance of a woman dressed as a parrot.

The Guardian

A copy was secured in our village, no doubt by some lovelorn wife or spinster, and was loaned by the page because all were avid to read this tormenting love story and all identified with it.

The Guardian - Books

St Paul's Girls Schooll, where I enjoyed the lessons of the English teacher Miss Jenkinson but little else, was a grim institution in the early 1950s - more Brontë than Austen - and the little piece of ivory on which the celebrated spinster wrote her tales of love and disappointment and sudden, unconvincing happiness, didn't mean anything to me.

The Guardian - Books

In it, 33 writers from Virginia Woolf to Jay McInerney, from Somerset Maugham to Fay Weldon, from Martin Amis to A.S. Byatt explain the whys and wherefores of our love affair with this provincial spinster, whose six novels have embedded themselves so powerfully in the minds and lives of countless readers over the past two centuries.The breadth of Austen's appeal is indeed extraordinary.

The Economist

With Aventis tying the knot, and Roche a committed spinster, there is no obvious spouse.

The Economist

In search of a happy spinster she finds Lily in Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse" and tells a male writer that the lighthouse is a beacon of her self-sufficiency.

The Economist

A sad spinster, her broad backside clad in a "good wool skirt", she plays aunt to the Keane children which, although making her feel useful, never quite alleviates the "ache of hollow longing" or her awareness of "her own arms being empty".

The Economist

One proposal would ban gay marriage but allow civil unions, so that gay couples (or, for that matter, two spinster sisters living together) can receive the same tax breaks and health benefits as married couples, without their relationships being recognised as equivalent.

The Economist

Does it, as one London paper roared, piling its own Pelion on the OUP's Ossa of puff, "ban" Eskimo or spinster?

The Economist

In 1700 a spinster with a pedal-driven spinning wheel might take 200 hours to produce a pound of yarn.

The Economist

It puts me in mind of a scene from The Mating Season by PG Wodehouse, described thusly by Mark Steyn:In [the book], a Hollywood starlet recounts to Bertie Wooster her encounter with an elderly English spinster who turned out to be something of a movie fan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spinster", be mindful of the historical context and the potential for perpetuating stereotypes about unmarried women.

Common error

Avoid using "spinster" with inherent negative assumptions. Instead, focus on the individual's character and achievements, irrespective of their marital status.

Linguistic Context

The word "spinster" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a woman who has never been married, particularly one past the typical marrying age. Ludwig AI indicates that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spinster" is a noun primarily used to describe an unmarried woman, particularly one past the typical marrying age. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage should be approached with caution due to potentially negative or outdated connotations. Alternatives like "unmarried woman" or "single woman" often provide a more neutral and contemporary option. The phrase is prevalent in news and media contexts, but less common in formal or academic settings. Always consider the context and audience when choosing whether to use the term "spinster".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmarried woman

A neutral and straightforward term avoiding the potentially negative connotations of "spinster".

single woman

A general term indicating that a woman is not currently married, without age implications.

unmarried lady

A more formal and old-fashioned term for an unmarried woman.

woman of independent means

Highlights the financial independence often associated with unmarried women in certain historical contexts.

maiden lady

An archaic term for an unmarried woman, carrying similar connotations to "spinster".

old maid

A derogatory term for an unmarried woman, often implying social failure or undesirability.

confirmed bachelor girl

A playful twist on the traditional term, emphasizing the woman's choice to remain unmarried.

single blessedness

A term emphasizing the positive aspects and contentment of being unmarried.

never-married woman

A literal and descriptive phrase emphasizing the fact that the woman has never been married.

independent woman

Focuses on the woman's self-reliance and autonomy, which may or may not be related to her marital status.

FAQs

What does the term "spinster" mean?

The term "spinster" typically refers to an unmarried woman, especially one who is older and considered past the typical age for marrying. It can sometimes carry negative connotations.

Is it offensive to call someone a "spinster"?

It can be offensive, yes. While technically it simply describes an unmarried woman, the term "spinster" has acquired negative connotations over time, suggesting loneliness or social failure. Consider using more neutral terms like "unmarried woman" or "single woman".

What are some alternatives to the word "spinster"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unmarried woman", "single woman", or, if relevant, describe the person by their profession or other defining characteristics.

How has the perception of "spinster" changed over time?

Historically, the term "spinster" simply denoted an unmarried woman. However, societal expectations and views on marriage have evolved. Now, the term often carries negative connotations, reflecting outdated stereotypes about unmarried women and their value in society. Using the term can perpetuate those stereotypes, so choose your words carefully.