wife

wife

noun \ˈwīf\

plural wives\ˈwīvz\

Definition of WIFE

1

a dialect : woman b : a woman acting in a specified capacity —used in combination <fishwife>

2

: a female partner in a marriage

— wife·hood \ˈwīf-ˌhu̇d, ˈwī-ˌfu̇d\ noun

— wife·less \ˈwī-fləs\ adjective

Examples of WIFE

1. We met him and his wife.
2. <a husband and wife who treat each other as equals in their marriage>

Origin of WIFE

Middle English wif, from Old English wīf; akin to Old High German wīb wife and probably to Tocharian B kwīpe female pudenda

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WIFE

Synonyms: helpmate, helpmeet, lady, little woman, madam, missus (or missis), Mrs., old lady, wifey, woman [chiefly dialect]

Related Words: bride; better half, companion, consort, mate, partner, significant other, soul mate, spouse; dowager, matron; hausfrau, homemaker, housekeeper, housewife, stay-at-home; widow

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Rhymes with WIFE

fife, Fife, knife, life, rife, strife