womanhood
UK: ˈwʊmənhʊd | US: ˈwʊmənhʊd
n. the state or condition of being a woman
n. the qualities or attributes considered characteristic of women
The word "womanhood" combines "woman," derived from Old English wīfmann (where wīf meant "female" and mann meant "person"), with the suffix "-hood," from Old English -hād, denoting a state or condition. Over time, "woman" evolved to specifically mean an adult female, while "-hood" generalized to abstract nouns indicating a state (e.g., childhood, brotherhood). Together, they form a term encapsulating the essence or status of being a woman.
She embraced her womanhood with pride and confidence.
The ceremony celebrated the transition from girlhood to womanhood.
Her writings explore themes of identity and womanhood.
Society often imposes narrow definitions of womanhood.
The documentary highlights diverse experiences of womanhood across cultures.