spinster
Translation
unmarried woman, old maid
Examples
In the novel, she was portrayed as a lonely spinster.
In the novel, she was portrayed as a lonely spinster.
The term 'spinster' is now considered old-fashioned.
The term 'spinster' is now considered old-fashioned.
Grammar Patterns
a spinster an unmarried woman (dated) She was portrayed as a lonely spinster.
Similar Words
unmarried woman, bachelorette; Antonyms: wife, married woman
Etymology
From 'spin' + '-ster' (an agent suffix, originally feminine). Historically, an unmarried woman's occupation was often spinning thread.
Memory Tips
Think of the historical image of an unmarried woman who would *spin* wool for a living. Be aware this word is now often considered derogatory.