clubwoman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “clubwoman” mean?
A woman who is an active member of a social club or organization, especially one devoted to a specific cause, and who often holds a leadership role.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who is an active member of a social club or organization, especially one devoted to a specific cause, and who often holds a leadership role.
A woman characterized by her energetic participation, often organizational and social, in clubs (e.g., women's clubs, literary societies, charitable organizations). The term can imply a degree of social prominence or a focus on community service through such organizations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but its historical association with organized women's clubs is particularly strong in American social history.
Connotations
In both: Can imply sociability, organizational skill, community focus. Slight risk of sounding old-fashioned.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary everyday speech in both varieties. More likely found in historical texts, biographies, or specific social commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “clubwoman” in a Sentence
She was a clubwoman.She was a clubwoman for/of the local historical society.Known as a dedicated clubwoman, she...Her activities as a clubwoman included...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clubwoman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She does not clubwoman. (Not used as a verb)
American English
- She does not clubwoman. (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- She acted clubwomanly. (Extremely rare/archaic)
American English
- She acted clubwomanly. (Extremely rare/archaic)
adjective
British English
- There was a very clubwoman-like atmosphere at the meeting.
- Her clubwoman instincts led her to organize a fundraiser.
American English
- She had a true clubwoman spirit.
- The event was planned with typical clubwoman efficiency.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; the term is not used in standard business contexts.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or gender studies texts discussing women's social organizations and activism.
Everyday
Rarely used. If used, it might refer humorously or respectfully to an older relative known for club activities.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clubwoman”
- Spelling as two words: 'club woman'.
- Using plural 'clubwomen' incorrectly as 'clubwomans'.
- Mispronouncing as /klʌbˈwʊmən/ with stress on 'wo-' instead of the first syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a low-frequency, somewhat dated term. It is primarily encountered in historical or biographical contexts.
The standard plural is 'clubwomen'.
No, the word is specifically feminine. The equivalent for a man would be 'clubman', though this term is even rarer.
Not inherently. It is generally neutral or positive, highlighting organizational activity. However, in some contexts, it might be used lightly to imply a focus on social busywork over substantive action.
A woman who is an active member of a social club or organization, especially one devoted to a specific cause, and who often holds a leadership role.
Clubwoman is usually formal in register.
Clubwoman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklʌbˌwʊmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklʌbˌwʊmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A consummate clubwoman”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'woman' who is always at the 'club' (meeting, event). Club + Woman = Clubwoman.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AS A DOMAIN OF ACTIVITY (She was a pillar of the club scene).
Practice
Quiz
'Clubwoman' is most closely associated with which historical context?