womanhood

noun

wom·​an·​hood ˈwu̇-mən-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce womanhood (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈwō-,
 or  ˈwə-
1
a
: the state of being a woman
b
: the distinguishing character or qualities of a woman or of womankind
2

Examples of womanhood in a Sentence

a young girl on the verge of womanhood What is your view of womanhood? The book is a celebration of womanhood.
Recent Examples on the Web Almost all dolls prepare girls to perform womanhood. Lizzie Feidelson, The New Yorker, 17 Nov. 2023 Billie Eilish is opening up about her experience with womanhood after years of being scrutinized over her body and sexuality. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 13 Nov. 2023 Billie Eilish discussed the intense body scrutiny women endure, especially compared to men, and opened up about her sexuality and experience with womanhood in a new interview with Variety. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2023 Over time, Smith has redefined her niche but has found a good footing in letting womanhood continue to inspire her. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 30 Aug. 2023 And in this movie, in Barbie’s view, in Gerwig’s view, in Ruth’s view, womanhood is a superpower. Andrea Nevins, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Aug. 2023 Fans latched onto the film’s feminist storyline and its originality as a film by and about women and womanhood. Ella Ceron, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2023 That’s the reciprocity of Black womanhood that has kept us flourishing for millennia. Gloria Alamrew, refinery29.com, 21 Sep. 2023 While society, including family, constantly pushes women that womanhood is about building a life with someone, Jéblanc preaches that womanhood should be a devotion to the self. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 23 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'womanhood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of womanhood was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near womanhood

Cite this Entry

“Womanhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/womanhood. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

womanhood

noun
wom·​an·​hood ˈwu̇m-ən-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce womanhood (audio)
1
: the state of being a woman
2
: qualities associated with women
3

More from Merriam-Webster on womanhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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