spinster

noun

spin·​ster ˈspin(t)-stər How to pronounce spinster (audio)
1
: a woman whose occupation is to spin
2
a
archaic : an unmarried woman of gentle family
b
: an unmarried woman and especially one past the common age for marrying
3
: a woman who seems unlikely to marry
spinsterhood noun
spinsterish adjective
spinsterly adjective

Examples of spinster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The latter have moved away from the village and do not appear, while the former stay and assist their mother, the eldest being a literal spinster. Ryan Swen, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025 This elegant ensemble was likely one of only two owned by Miss Bliss, who despite her great wealth was a modest, intensely private spinster. airmail.news, 9 Nov. 2024 One of the men, Capt. William West, was born to West’s spinster aunt, Elizabeth — and illegitimate. Cnn, The Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2024 Dafoe, an actor who has played more than his fair share of villains, is exceptionally crazed here as Thomas Wake, basically a lonely, manipulative spinster who treats the lighthouse like his own palace. Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spinster 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinster was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near spinster

Cite this Entry

“Spinster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinster. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

spinster

noun
spin·​ster ˈspin(t)-stər How to pronounce spinster (audio)
1
: a woman whose occupation is to spin
2
: an unmarried woman past the usual age for marrying
spinsterhood noun
spinsterish adjective
spinsterly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!