lady of the house

[ ley-dee uhv thuh hous ]

noun

1. Usually the lady of the house. the female head of a household.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lady of the house¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

In fact, this woman had gone to a nearby theater sometimes, given tickets by the lady of the house where she served.

From Literature

Her mother had taught her, she said, to always talk to “the lady of the house,” and she encouraged the group to persist.

From New York Times

The jug was a wedding present from the lady of the house.

From New York Times

We listened to the lady of the house as she entertained us with her life’s story feeling delightfully blessed.

From Literature

“I think there’s one line where she’s like, ‘I don’t want to be the lady of the house.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• householder