homemaking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, somewhat dated, journalistic, and domestic.
Quick answer
What does “homemaking” mean?
The management of a household, including domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting, traditionally associated with creating a comfortable home environment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The management of a household, including domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting, traditionally associated with creating a comfortable home environment.
1. The practice and skill of managing a home, often with an emphasis on creating a nurturing atmosphere and efficient domestic systems. 2. In broader social contexts, the cultural and economic activities related to maintaining a household, which can be a professional or personal role.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties. In the UK, it is more closely associated with the historical school subject 'Domestic Science' or 'Home Economics'. In the US, it has a stronger association with mid-20th century domestic ideals and is a more common lexical item.
Connotations
UK: Often has a slightly old-fashioned, practical connotation linked to education. US: Can carry stronger ideological connotations related to post-war suburban family life and traditional gender roles.
Frequency
More frequently encountered in American English, particularly in historical, sociological, or lifestyle contexts. In British English, 'housekeeping' is a more common term for the practical activities.
Grammar
How to Use “homemaking” in a Sentence
[Noun] dedicated herself to homemaking.Homemaking requires [noun phrase] (e.g., patience and organization).She excelled at the [adjective] homemaking of her grandmother's era.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homemaking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – 'Homemaking' is not used as a verb. One 'does the homemaking' or 'is involved in homemaking'.
American English
- N/A – 'Homemaking' is not used as a verb. One might say 'She focuses on homemaking'.
adverb
British English
- N/A – There is no standard adverb 'homemakingly'. Use phrases like 'in a homemaking capacity'.
American English
- N/A – There is no standard adverb 'homemakingly'. Use phrases like 'with a focus on homemaking'.
adjective
British English
- She took a homemaking course at the local college.
- The magazine offered homemaking tips for the postwar housewife.
American English
- She subscribed to a popular homemaking magazine for new recipes.
- The 1950s are often characterized by a strong homemaking ideology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in market research for household products or services targeting domestic managers.
Academic
Used in sociological, historical, gender studies, and cultural studies contexts to discuss domestic labor and gender roles.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. More likely in discussions about family, lifestyle blogs, or nostalgic references.
Technical
Not technical. The related technical field is 'Home Economics' or 'Family and Consumer Sciences'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homemaking”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homemaking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homemaking”
- Spelling: 'home making' as two words is sometimes seen but 'homemaking' is standard.
- Confusion with 'housekeeping' (more routine tasks) vs. 'homemaking' (broader creation of home environment).
- Using it as a verb (to homemake) is non-standard; use 'manage a home' or 'keep house'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While historically and culturally associated with women, the activity itself is gender-neutral. The term is increasingly used in gender-neutral contexts, though its traditional connotations persist.
'Housekeeping' typically refers to the routine tasks of cleaning and maintaining order (e.g., in a hotel or home). 'Homemaking' is a broader concept that includes housekeeping but also encompasses creating a home environment through decor, meals, budgeting, and family routines.
Typically not, as it refers to managing one's own household. Professional roles involving similar skills might be called 'household manager', 'personal chef', 'interior organiser', or fall under 'domestic service'. The related teaching field is 'Home Economics'.
Its peak usage coincided with mid-20th century social norms that strongly emphasized a single-breadwinner family model with a dedicated homemaker. As social structures changed, the term's frequency declined and it acquired a nostalgic or historical tone.
The management of a household, including domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting, traditionally associated with creating a comfortable home environment.
Homemaking is usually formal, somewhat dated, journalistic, and domestic. in register.
Homemaking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊmˌmeɪkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊmˌmeɪkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Make a house a home (related concept, but not an idiom with 'homemaking')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MAKING' a 'HOME' comfortable and functional. Homemaking is the active process of creating and maintaining a home.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOMEMAKING IS CRAFTSMANSHIP / HOMEMAKING IS MANAGEMENT (The homemaker is a skilled craftsperson or a CEO of the domestic sphere.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'homemaking' LEAST likely to be used today?