charwoman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency, Archaic/Historical)Formal, Historical, Archaic, Potentially Offensive/Classist
Quick answer
What does “charwoman” mean?
A woman employed to clean houses or offices, typically by the day or hour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman employed to clean houses or offices, typically by the day or hour.
A low-status, often elderly, female cleaner, historically employed for daily or weekly cleaning tasks in private homes. The term often implies a non-resident, part-time, or casual employee.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated and was predominantly used in British English. In American English, the role existed but terms like 'cleaning woman' or 'maid' were more common. 'Charwoman' is less recognized in contemporary AmE.
Connotations
In BrE: Strongly associated with the early-to-mid 20th century, class structure, and economic hardship. In AmE: If recognized, it is seen as a quaint or very British term.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern usage in both dialects. More likely to be encountered in BrE in historical novels or period dramas than in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “charwoman” in a Sentence
The [Adjective] charwoman VERBed the NOUN.They employed a charwoman to VERB.She worked as a charwoman for [Person/Institution].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “charwoman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- In the 1930s, many widows were forced to char to make ends meet.
- She chared for several families in the square.
American English
- The term 'to char' in this sense is virtually unknown in American English.
adjective
British English
- He left a charwoman's wage on the kitchen table.
- (As a compound modifier) She had a charwoman-like diligence about her work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical, sociological, or literary studies discussing class, gender, and domestic labour in the 19th-early 20th centuries.
Everyday
Effectively obsolete. Using it would sound old-fashioned or intentionally stylistic.
Technical
Not used in any modern professional cleaning or domestic service contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “charwoman”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “charwoman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “charwoman”
- Using it to refer to a modern professional cleaning service employee. / Confusing it with 'charlady' or 'charlady' (a less common variant). / Misspelling as 'chairwoman'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a slur, but it is considered dated and carries strong class-based connotations. Using it to describe a modern cleaner would be seen as old-fashioned, potentially patronizing, or deliberately evocative of a past social hierarchy. Neutral terms like 'cleaner' are preferred.
Traditionally, a 'maid' was often a younger, possibly live-in servant with a broader range of duties. A 'charwoman' was typically older, worked part-time or by the day for multiple households, and was hired specifically for heavy cleaning ('chars' or chores).
Yes, 'charlady' is a synonymous variant, though 'charwoman' has always been the more standard and common form.
No, that is a common false etymology. It comes from the Old English 'cerr' meaning 'a turn', hence 'an odd job' or 'chore'. The verb 'to char' meaning to clean is derived from this noun, not from burning.
A woman employed to clean houses or offices, typically by the day or hour.
Charwoman is usually formal, historical, archaic, potentially offensive/classist in register.
Charwoman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɑːˌwʊmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɑːrˌwʊmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Charring" (as in "she does a bit of charring") is a related verbal form meaning to work as a charwoman.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a woman doing her 'chores' for 'char' - a CHARwoman. Or, remember the famous literary charwoman, Mrs. Dilber, from Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHARWOMAN IS A LOW-STATUS FUNCTIONARY. The term conceptually reduces the person to the menial task ('char') they perform.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'charwoman' be MOST appropriately used today?