Definition of gentlewomannext
as in lady
a woman of high birth or social position in the 19th century a number of American gentlewomen used their wealth and influence to further abolitionism, women's rights, and other worthy causes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 gentlewoman Those laughs are balanced with real world issues, and a longing for these gentlewomen locked into the suffocating zeitgeist of early 1800s British Regency. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2025 Social status and fashion conspired to make gentlewomen’s footwear of every sort flimsy. — Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025 The novelists’ parents were Patrick and Maria Brontë, an Irish clergyman and a Cornish gentlewoman who married in 1812. — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025 Maybe Kate can get Parton to hop back across the pond to play a few songs and, as a real Southern gentlewoman, teach those rather provincial Brits how to properly serve tea. — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2023 In the north, Solomon knew, young oblates, the cherished daughters of gentlewomen, were given to the Lord out of the ranks of the nobility. — Cynthia Ozick, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentlewoman
Noun
  • The ladies’ restroom at work has a push-open door; there is no latch and no handle on the outside.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The Gilded Age would generally prefer that nothing disrupt the basic contours of its serene status quo, where ladies in hats sit in drawing rooms and deliver smiling rebukes of one another’s decor.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The villa was built in 1854 to be the lakeside estate for a countess and her family, but just 20 years later, was converted into a hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • When Bridget and Lizzie meet in Monster, the two bond over a French book that Bridget has with her, an account of the 16th-century countess Elizabeth Báthory (called Elizabetta on the show, also played by Vicky Krieps).
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • For another fun twist on ice-queen glam, take a cue from Zara Larsson and pile on the shimmery silver-white shadow accented with rhinestones in lieu of snowflakes, or perhaps a fresh platinum blonde hair color à la Serena Williams.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Every year, Heidi Klum—the undisputed queen of Halloween—keeps spooky season fans guessing as to her next big costume reveal.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gentlewoman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentlewoman. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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