plural Frauen ˈfrau̇(-ə)n How to pronounce Frau (audio)
sometimes disparaging
: a German married woman : wife
used as a title equivalent to Mrs.

Word History

Etymology

German, woman, wife, from Old High German frouwa mistress, lady; akin to Old English frēa lord, Old High German fruma advantage — more at foremost

First Known Use

circa 1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Frau was circa 1813

Dictionary Entries Near Frau

Cite this Entry

“Frau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Frau. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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