repairwoman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, occupational
Quick answer
What does “repairwoman” mean?
A woman whose job is to fix or restore broken or damaged objects, machinery, or systems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman whose job is to fix or restore broken or damaged objects, machinery, or systems.
A female professional skilled in diagnosing and remedying faults, often used metaphorically for someone who resolves problems or mends situations (though less common).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is structurally identical. However, the occupational term 'repairman' is far more common in both dialects, making 'repairwoman' a marked, gender-specified form.
Connotations
Neutral occupational descriptor. In both regions, its use directly signals the professional's gender, which can be relevant in contexts discussing workforce diversity or when gender is contextually specified.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects. The gender-neutral 'repair technician', 'service technician', or simply 'technician' is increasingly preferred in formal/official contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “repairwoman” in a Sentence
[repairwoman] + [repairs/fixes] + [OBJECT][repairwoman] + [for] + [COMPANY/SPECIALIZATION][repairwoman] + [was called/sent] + [to LOCATION]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “repairwoman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [N/A - not a verb]
American English
- [N/A - not a verb]
adverb
British English
- [N/A - not an adverb]
American English
- [N/A - not an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [N/A - not a standard adjective]
American English
- [N/A - not a standard adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR, service industry descriptions, or diversity reports ('We employed two new repairwomen').
Academic
Rare, except in sociological studies on gendered language or occupational demographics.
Everyday
Used when specifically referring to or requesting a female repair professional.
Technical
Used in manuals or service directories where the specialist's gender is specified or relevant.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “repairwoman”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “repairwoman”
- Using 'repairwoman' as a verb. *'I will repairwoman the fridge.' (Incorrect) | Correct: 'I will call a repairwoman for the fridge.')
- Plural: 'repairwomans' (Incorrect) | Correct: 'repairwomen'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively low-frequency. The gender-neutral 'repair technician' or the traditionally male-default 'repairman' are more commonly used, though 'repairwoman' is correct when specifying gender.
The plural is 'repairwomen', following the same pattern as 'woman'/'women'.
It is a general term, but it often implies skilled, practical trades (appliances, machinery, electronics). For very specific trades, more precise terms like 'mechanic', 'electrician', or 'technician' are used, which can also be specified as 'female mechanic', etc.
It is grammatically correct and factual. Preferences vary: some advocate for gender-specific terms for visibility, while others prefer gender-neutral terms like 'technician' to avoid gender specification entirely. Context and personal/organizational preference dictate usage.
A woman whose job is to fix or restore broken or damaged objects, machinery, or systems.
Repairwoman is usually formal, occupational in register.
Repairwoman: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpeəˌwʊmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈpɛrˌwʊmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A woman who makes pairs (repairs) of things work again. She REPAIRs the world, one WOMAN at a time.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE BREAKAGES; SOLUTIONS ARE FIXES. A repairwoman is an AGENT OF RESTORATION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST likely context to encounter the word 'repairwoman'?