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 The league leaned into its distaff audience by naming each team after trailblazing women. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 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
  • A lot of the focus was on their use of Flock license plate readers and the detectives' decision to search for the license plate of the department vehicle driven by the female detective.
    — Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Pins that support women’s social, political and health causes were framed into a large flower and plastered atop a bright pink background to promote the all-female performance charity event.
    — Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of female
Adjective
  • The ladylike shoes, also known as ballet pumps, have taken on new life as a runway and celebrity favorite in recent years.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 21 July 2026
  • 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
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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on distaff

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about distaff

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