spinster

/ˈspɪnstə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [spˈɪnstɚ] /ˈspɪnstər/ (ame, ipa) · [spˈɪnstɚ] /ˈspin(t)-stər How to pronounce spinster (audio)/ (ame, mw)

spinster — noun

  • spinstersingular
  • spinstersplural

1. a dated and usually offensive word for an older unmarried woman, especially one

1.名詞C1
釋義

a dated and usually offensive word for an older unmarried woman, especially one other people assume will never marry

例句

At the family dinner, Anya angrily rejected being called a spinster.

pattern: be called a spinster

The old newspaper described unmarried teachers as spinsters, which now sounds rude.

dated plural form in historical writing

同義詞
  • single woman

    neutral modern description with no insulting tone

  • unmarried woman

    neutral and slightly more formal than single woman

  • old maid

    even more old-fashioned and insulting than spinster

  • bachelorette

    modern and often playful; does not carry the same harsh judgment

用法筆記

Usually appears in mocking, critical, or historical contexts. Neutral modern English normally uses terms such as single woman or unmarried woman instead.

常見錯誤

❌My aunt is a spinster and lives alone.
✅My aunt is single and lives alone.
💡'Spinster' sounds dated and insulting, so do not use it as a neutral description.
❌He became a spinster after never marrying.
✅He remained a bachelor and never married.
💡'Spinster' refers to women, not men.