woman
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈʊmən/
US
- /ˈwʊmən/
Description
- adult female person
- grown female human
- lady
This word refers to an adult female human. It is one of the most common words used to talk about a grown female person in everyday life. You might hear it in simple situations, such as "The woman at the counter was very helpful," or in broader topics, such as health, work, family, and rights. It can describe someone's gender, or simply identify a person in a sentence. In many contexts, it is a neutral and standard word.
This word is a noun that means an adult female human being. It is the standard word used to talk about a grown female person, both in everyday speech and in more formal writing. For example, you might say, "The woman driving the bus waved," or "The report studied the lives of women in rural areas." It is commonly used when talking about family roles, work, public life, health, history, and social issues.
The meaning is usually clear and direct, but the word can also carry social and cultural meaning depending on the context. People use it when discussing identity, rights, expectations, and the experiences of adult females in society. In modern English, it is also important to use the word with care and respect, especially when talking about a person's identity. Related forms include "women" as the plural form and words such as "womanhood" and "women's rights."
In most cases, though, the word simply means an adult female person. It helps identify who someone is, whether in a story, a conversation, a news report, or a factual description. Because it is such a common word, learners should understand both its basic meaning and the wider contexts in which it appears.
Examples
- 1
Front desk
I asked the woman at the front desk where to find the meeting room.
- 2
Age description
A woman in her thirties was waiting outside with two small children.
- 3
Achievement
The award went to a young woman who started her own business last year.
- 4
Community
Several women from our neighborhood joined the clean-up project.
Grammar
women
plural of woman
- 5
Leadership
She was the first woman to lead the company.
- 6
Pay equality
Many women still earn less than men for the same work.
- 7
Health care
The hospital has opened a new center for women’s health.
Grammar
women’s
relating to women in general
- 8
Trustworthiness
You can trust Maya to do what she says; she’s a woman of her word.
Phrase
a woman of her word
someone who does what she promises
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- womannoun
Forms
- womenpluralnoun