workwoman

[ wurk-woom-uhn ]

noun

, plural work·wom·en.

1. a female worker. worker.
2. a woman employed or skilled in some manual, mechanical, or industrial work.

Gender Note

See -woman.

Word History and Origins

Origin of workwoman¹

First recorded in 1520–30; work + woman

Example Sentences

The workwoman was a girl of from eighteen to twenty, rather below the middle size, and of a face and form little adapted to figure in a story.

From Project Gutenberg

While Lettice, as soon as she became aware of the importance of this accomplishment as to the means of increasing her power of adding to her mother's comforts, had been indefatigable in her endeavors to accomplish herself in the art, and was become a very excellent workwoman.

From Project Gutenberg

A young lieutenant, M. Loup, rendered himself conspicuous for his heroic exertions; and a young workwoman, at the imminent danger of her life, jumped into the water, and saved the life of an officer who was just sinking.

From Project Gutenberg

She had felt ashamed to be paid as a workwoman by one once her friend, and in social rank her equal; but now she raised her head, with a noble frankness and spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

"Has the workwoman brought her bill with her, Reynolds?" asked Mrs. Danvers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• employee
• laborer
• staff