Dictionary
spinster
noun spin·ster \ˈspin(t)-stər\
: an unmarried woman who is past the usual age for marrying and is considered unlikely to marry
Full Definition of SPINSTER
1
: a woman whose occupation is to spin
2
a archaic : an unmarried woman of gentle family b : an unmarried woman and especially one past the common age for marrying
3
: a woman who seems unlikely to marry
— spin·ster·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
— spin·ster·ish \-st(ə-)rish\ adjective
— spin·ster·ly adjective
See spinster defined for English-language learners
See spinster defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of SPINSTER
14th century
SPINSTER Defined for Kids
spinster
noun spin·ster \ˈspin-stər\
Definition of SPINSTER for Kids
: an unmarried woman past the usual age for marrying
Learn More About SPINSTER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: spinstressPrevious Word in the Dictionary: spinproofAll Words Near: spinster
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up spinster? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).