kinswoman

[ kinz-woom-uhn ]

noun

, plural kins·wom·en.

1. a female relative.
2. a woman of the same nationality or ethnic group.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kinswoman¹

1350–1400; Middle English; kin, 's ¹, woman, modeled on kinsman

Example Sentences

She makes herself useful, however, preparing a poultice to soothe Anne’s pains, and swiftly rises through the ranks, from chambermaid to confidante, before supplanting Sarah, her kinswoman, in the sovereign’s bed.

From The New Yorker

“When Elizabeth was with child, she visited her kinswoman Mary, who carried Christ in her womb. And she was not turned away from the Lord,” I say in a low and modest voice.

From Literature

Ajima meant something like “Auntie”; it was a term of great affection, reserved only for older kinswomen.

From Literature

The older woman kneels in front of Mary, who looks down tenderly and embraces her kinswoman, who is bearing St. John the Baptist.

From Washington Post

Later she refused to call her "daughter" in company, instead describing her as a "kinswoman" or "cousin".

From BBC