housework

noun

house·​work ˈhau̇s-ˌwərk How to pronounce housework (audio)
: the work of housekeeping

Examples of housework in a Sentence

I got up early and did some housework.
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.
In recent decades, women’s labor force participation has leveled off, men and women remain concentrated into different occupations, and women continue to shoulder significantly more housework and childcare than men. Marianne Cooper, Harvard Business Review, 1 Nov. 2024 Instead, the team has something better in mind: powering the hardware with the continuously learning generalist 'brains' of AI software, so existing machines will be able to autonomously carry out a growing amount of tasks that require precise movements and dexterity – including housework. New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2024 Research suggests that even short periods of fathers’ leave can have long-lasting effects on their involvement in child care and housework. Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 30 Oct. 2024 The researchers cited a range of factors that might explain the small gap—including the round-the-clock responsibilities of unpaid housework, which women still perform more commonly than men—and few opportunities for catch-up naps during the day. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for housework 

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of housework was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near housework

Cite this Entry

“Housework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/housework. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

housework

noun
house·​work ˈhau̇-ˌswərk How to pronounce housework (audio)
: the work of housekeeping

More from Merriam-Webster on housework

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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