women's studies

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: the multidisciplinary study of the social status and societal contributions of women and the relationship between power and gender

Examples of women's studies in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But Obama's book has been assigned everywhere from Ohio State University to Fresno City College, in courses ranging from composition to Black women's studies. Hillel Italie, ajc, 1 Nov. 2021 Jules Gill-Peterson, a professor of gender, sexuality and women's studies at the University of Pittsburgh, said history suggests many trans children stay hidden out of fear for their safety. Zoe Christen Jones, CBS News, 7 June 2021 In almost every culture, there are gender roles and people who veer away from them, said Jules Gill-Peterson, associate professor of English and gender, sexuality and women's studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Lisa Selin Davis, CNN, 18 May 2021 Karla Holloway, who has taught African American studies and women's studies at Duke University, said Kelly's tweet was deeply offensive to Black women. Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'women's studies.' 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

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of women's studies was in 1972

Dictionary Entries Near women's studies

Cite this Entry

“Women's studies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/women%27s%20studies. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

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