housewife
UK: ˈhaʊs.waɪf | US: ˈhaʊs.waɪf
n. a married woman whose main occupation is managing her household and caring for her family.
n. (archaic) the mistress of a household.
The word "housewife" combines "house" (Old English hūs, meaning "dwelling") and "wife" (Old English wīf, meaning "woman"). Originally, it referred broadly to a woman managing a household, regardless of marital status. Over time, the term narrowed to describe married women dedicated to domestic duties. The evolution reflects societal shifts in gender roles and the valuation of unpaid domestic labor.
She chose to be a housewife after her children were born.
In the 1950s, the ideal housewife was often portrayed in advertisements.
Modern housewives may also work part-time or manage home businesses.
The novel explores the frustrations of a housewife in suburban America.
Historically, housewives played a central role in preserving family traditions.