anchorwoman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “anchorwoman” mean?
A woman who presents news programmes on television or radio, typically as the main presenter.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who presents news programmes on television or radio, typically as the main presenter.
A female journalist who coordinates and presents a news broadcast, often serving as the central figure who introduces reports, conducts interviews, and provides commentary. The term can also be used metaphorically for a woman who serves as a central, stabilizing figure in any organization or event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties. In the UK, 'newsreader' or 'presenter' are also very common. In the US, 'anchor' is the dominant generic term, with 'anchorwoman' used specifically to denote gender.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries professional connotations of authority, credibility, and centrality in a broadcast. Its use highlights gender, which can be seen as either precise or, in modern contexts, potentially outdated.
Frequency
Usage frequency is declining in both varieties in favour of gender-neutral terms like 'anchor' or 'news anchor', especially in formal style guides. It remains more common in historical contexts or when gender specification is relevant to the discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “anchorwoman” in a Sentence
[anchorwoman] + [for/of] + [news programme/channel][anchorwoman] + [reports/presents] + [on/from]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anchorwoman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She anchored the evening news for a decade.
- Who will be anchoring the election coverage tonight?
American English
- She anchored the nightly news for a decade.
- Who's going to anchor the debate coverage?
adverb
British English
- She presented the news anchorwoman-style, with great authority.
American English
- She delivered the report anchor-style, with confidence.
adjective
British English
- She has an anchorwoman-like composure.
- The anchorwoman role is highly sought after.
American English
- She has an anchor-like composure.
- The anchor position is highly competitive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in media industry reports discussing on-air talent and diversity.
Academic
Used in media studies, sociology, or gender studies when analysing representation in journalism.
Everyday
Understood but less common in casual conversation; people more often say 'news presenter' or 'the woman on the news'.
Technical
Standard term in broadcast journalism, though industry style guides now often recommend 'anchor'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anchorwoman”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anchorwoman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anchorwoman”
- Using 'anchorwoman' for a radio presenter (while possible, 'presenter' or 'host' is more common for radio).
- Misspelling as 'anchorwomen' for the singular form.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'She anchorwomanned the show' is non-standard; use 'anchored').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its use is declining in professional journalism. Many news organisations and style guides now prefer the gender-neutral terms 'anchor' or 'news anchor' to promote inclusivity.
An anchorwoman typically presents the news from a studio, introduces pre-recorded segments, and interviews guests. A reporter usually gathers news from the field, conducts on-scene interviews, and files reports for the anchor to introduce.
No. The verb form is 'to anchor'. For example, 'She anchored the broadcast', not 'She anchorwomanned the broadcast'.
Yes, the traditional male equivalent is 'anchorman'. However, like 'anchorwoman', it is being supplanted by the gender-neutral 'anchor'.
A woman who presents news programmes on television or radio, typically as the main presenter.
Anchorwoman is usually formal, journalistic in register.
Anchorwoman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæŋ.kəˌwʊm.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæŋ.kɚˌwʊm.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To anchor the desk”
- “The face of the news”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ship's ANCHOR holding it steady. An ANCHORwoman is the steady, central person holding a news broadcast together.
Conceptual Metaphor
CENTRALITY/STABILITY IS AN ANCHOR (The anchorwoman is the fixed point around which the news broadcast flows.)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST gender-neutral and modern synonym for 'anchorwoman'?