bachelor girl

Word family

• bachelor
  nounB1
• bachelor
  adjectiveB2
• bachelorette
  nounB2
• bachelorhood
  nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

"Bachelor girl" is a somewhat dated term that emphasises both unmarried status and independent living. It was most common in the early-to-mid 20th century and carries a slightly nostalgic or literary tone. "Single woman" is the most neutral and widely used modern term, simply describing marital status without extra connotations. "Bachelorette" is the informal American equivalent, often used in playful social contexts such as bachelorette parties. "Independent woman" highlights self-sufficiency rather than relationship status and is common in motivational or feminist writing. For example, a historical novel set in the 1920s might describe its protagonist as a "bachelor girl," whereas a modern speaker discussing housing data would say "single woman" or "unmarried woman."

Common collocations

Etymology

"Bachelor" entered English from Old French 'bacheler' (young man, squire), which came from Medieval Latin 'baccalarius' (farm worker, then junior knight). By the 14th century, 'bachelor' had acquired the sense of an unmarried man. "Bachelor girl" emerged in the late 19th century as a female counterpart, reflecting changing social roles as women began living and working independently before or instead of marrying.