womanhood

noun

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

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.
The optics and perils of working womanhood have marked Clinton’s time on the political stage. The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024 After Emancipation, Black women set about reclaiming and redefining their womanhood. Kali Nicole Gross / Made By History, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024 The tenderness of the pair’s relationship is moving and palpable as the pair navigate their friendship — and Harper, her newfound womanhood — through the various stops along the way. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Sep. 2024 While Black women are often called masculine in a racist, misogynistic attempt to strip us of our innocence, femininity, and womanhood, Obama took it as an opportunity to assert her power and show off how strong femininity can be. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 30 July 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near womanhood

Cite this Entry

“Womanhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/womanhood. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on womanhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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