gentlewoman

[ jen-tl-woom-uhn ]

noun

, plural gen·tle·wom·en.

1. a woman of good family, breeding, or social position
2. a civilized, educated, sensitive, or well-mannered woman; lady.
3. a woman who attends upon a lady of rank.
4. a female member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives:

   The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Maine.

gentlewoman

/ ˈdʒɛntəlˌwʊmən /

noun

1. archaic.
   a woman regarded as being of good family or breeding; lady
2. rare.
   a woman who is cultured, courteous, and well-educated
3. history a woman in personal attendance on a high-ranking lady

Derived Forms

• ˈgentleˌwomanly, adjective
• ˈgentleˌwomanliness, noun

Other Words From

• gentle·woman·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentlewoman¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; gentle, woman

Example Sentences

She also told the Gentlewoman that there aren’t enough women like Madonna in the music industry: “I think about Madonna and how she took all of the great things she achieved and started the label and developed other artists. But there are not enough of those women.”

From Los Angeles Times

A local 'Retaliation League' vowed that 'every act of violence perpetrated by these women will be answered by attacks on the private houses or properties of Militant Suffragettes' while women's weekly magazine The Gentlewoman branded them "a collection of wildly irresponsible females".

From BBC

She thinks it matters that Chenery engaged with fans as “a perfect gentlewoman.”

From Washington Post

“I support repealing these tax credits,” he replied, offering only the noncommittal promise to “continue to work with the gentlewoman from Virginia, just like we will with all members.”

From Washington Post

“I know the gentlewoman to be open minded about LG and B people,” said Takano, who is gay, referring to lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• girl
• mother