distaff

adjective

Definition of distaffnext
as in petticoat

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distaff And then Grisebach uses that distaff twist once again, to comment more broadly on the patriarchal nature and gendered violence of power structures corrupted by historical conflict. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 22 May 2026 An Elm Drive victory would give trainer Phil D’Amato a very successful weekend on the distaff side of the ledger. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2021 Even if a separate, distaff canon is built, the atmosphere against which it’s being constructed is, gradually, becoming more integrated. — Wesley Morris, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distaff
  1. female
  2. ladylike
Adjective
  • Elephant seals are polygamous and have harems, and the strongest male seals can breed with dozens, or up to 100, female seals.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The deadline for a female gymnast’s Olympic dreams used to be 16 years old, Ohashi was told.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of female
Adjective
  • In the 1940s, the Queen switched rings, and began wearing a ladylike large pearl, encircled with diamonds.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
  • While expecting her son Patrick Bouvier in 1963, Kennedy wore ladylike looks like double-breasted maternity coats and shift dresses.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
Definition of ladylike

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dissuading
distaff
distain
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Cite this Entry

“Distaff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distaff. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on distaff

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about distaff

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