—Usage note 1.Housewife is offensive to some, perhaps because of an implied contrast with career woman (just a housewife) and perhaps because it defines an occupation in terms of a woman's relation to a man. Homemaker is a common substitute.
House"wife`\, n. [House + wife. Cf. Hussy.]1. The wife of a householder; the mistress of a family; the female head of a household. --Shak. He a good husband, a good housewife she. --Dryden. 2. (Usually pronounced ?.) [See Hussy, in this sense.] A little case or bag for materials used in sewing, and for other articles of female work; -- called also hussy. [Written also huswife.] --P. Skelton. 3. A hussy. [R.] [Usually written huswife.] --Shak. Sailor's housewife, a ditty-bag.
House"wife`\, Housewive \House"wive`\, v. t. To manage with skill and economy, as a housewife or other female manager; to economize. Conferred those moneys on the nuns, which since they have well housewived. --Fuller.
Hus"wife\, n. [OE. huswif; hus house + wif wife. Cf. Hussy a housewife, Housewife.] [Written also housewife.]1. A female housekeeper; a woman who manages domestic affairs; a thirfty woman. "The bounteous huswife Nature." --Shak. The huswife is she that do labor doth fall. --Tusser. 2. A worthless woman; a hussy. [Obs.] --Shak. 3. [See Hussy a bag.] A case for sewing materials. See Housewife. --Cowper.
Hus"wife\, n. [OE. huswif; hus house + wif wife. Cf. Hussy a housewife, Housewife.] [Written also housewife.]1. A female housekeeper; a woman who manages domestic affairs; a thirfty woman. "The bounteous huswife Nature." --Shak. The huswife is she that do labor doth fall. --Tusser. 2. A worthless woman; a hussy. [Obs.] --Shak. 3. [See Hussy a bag.] A case for sewing materials. See Housewife. --Cowper.
Hus"wife\, n. [OE. huswif; hus house + wif wife. Cf. Hussy a housewife, Housewife.] [Written also housewife.]1. A female housekeeper; a woman who manages domestic affairs; a thirfty woman. "The bounteous huswife Nature." --Shak. The huswife is she that do labor doth fall. --Tusser. 2. A worthless woman; a hussy. [Obs.] --Shak. 3. [See Hussy a bag.] A case for sewing materials. See Housewife. --Cowper.
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Audio Help [hous-wahyf or, usually, huhz-if for 2] Pronunciation Key noun, plural -wives 
