fräulein

noun

fräu·​lein ˈfrȯi-ˌlīn How to pronounce fräulein (audio)
1
capitalized : an unmarried German woman
—used as a title equivalent to Miss
2
: a German governess

Word History

Etymology

German, diminutive of Frau

First Known Use

circa 1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fräulein was circa 1689

Browse Nearby Words

fraught with
fräulein
Fraunhofer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fräulein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fr%C3%A4ulein. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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