womanhood

noun

wom·​an·​hood ˈwu̇-mən-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce womanhood (audio)
especially Southern ˈwō-
or ˈwə-
Synonyms of womanhoodnext
1
a
: the state of being a woman
b
: the distinguishing character or qualities of a woman or of womankind
2
: women, womankind

Synonyms of womanhood

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Examples of womanhood in a Sentence

a young girl on the verge of womanhood What is your view of womanhood? The book is a celebration of womanhood.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These lawmakers also intend to secure leadership of congressional commissions to oppose gender-neutral language initiatives and promote a biological definition of womanhood. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Her first outing reiterated how craft is central to her practice, not only in the development of textiles but also in the construction of silhouettes, which focused on exploring contemporary womanhood through dress. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Based between Saudi Arabia and The Netherlands, AlSoghayer’s work explores womanhood, memory, friendship, patriarchy and growing up within a rapidly changing society. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026 The dramedy takes on questions of womanhood and a woman’s control over her own body. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for womanhood

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of womanhood was in the 15th century

Rhymes for womanhood

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Browse Nearby Words

womanhead
womanhood
womanhouse
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Cite this Entry

“Womanhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/womanhood. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

womanhood

noun
wom·​an·​hood ˈwu̇m-ən-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce womanhood (audio)
1
: the state of being a woman
2
: qualities associated with women
3
: womankind
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