servicewoman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, official, journalistic, military
Quick answer
What does “servicewoman” mean?
A woman who serves in the armed forces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who serves in the armed forces.
Specifically, a female member of a military service, analogous to "serviceman." This term explicitly marks gender, distinguishing from the generic "service member." In some contexts, it refers to a woman employed in public or civil service.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is broadly similar. The term is formal and official in both varieties. The push for gender-neutral language ('service member') is perhaps slightly more pronounced in contemporary American military and media discourse.
Connotations
Neutral and factual in official contexts. In informal use, it can sound slightly old-fashioned or overly specific compared to gender-neutral terms.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency. More common in official reports, biographies, news articles about specific individuals, or historical contexts discussing the integration of women into armed forces.
Grammar
How to Use “servicewoman” in a Sentence
[Servicewoman] + [verb: served, was awarded, retired][Adjective] + [servicewoman]The + [servicewoman] + [who/that clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “servicewoman” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The decorated servicewoman was honoured at a ceremony in Whitehall.
- Her career as a servicewoman in the RAF spanned three decades.
American English
- The veteran servicewoman advocated for improved healthcare at the VA.
- She was the first servicewoman to receive that combat badge.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could appear in HR contexts of defense contractors discussing veteran hiring initiatives.
Academic
Used in sociological, historical, or military studies papers focusing on gender integration in armed forces.
Everyday
Low. More likely in news reports or conversations specifically about a woman's military career.
Technical
Official military personnel classification and documentation; legal contexts regarding veterans' benefits.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “servicewoman”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “servicewoman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “servicewoman”
- Using 'servicewoman' for a woman in non-military customer service (wrong).
- Overusing the gendered term when 'service member' is sufficient and more modern.
- Misspelling as 'service woman' (should be one word or hyphenated: service-woman).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is factually correct and not offensive. However, in line with trends towards gender-neutral language, many organizations and style guides now prefer 'service member' when the gender is irrelevant. 'Servicewoman' is used when gender is specifically relevant to the discussion.
The standard plural is 'servicewomen'.
Typically, no. It is primarily military. For police, 'police officer' or 'policewoman' (though latter is also gendered) is used. For fire services, 'firefighter' is the standard gender-neutral term.
Yes. 'Servicewoman' denotes current active status (or status at the time being discussed). 'Female veteran' specifically denotes a woman who has formerly served in the armed forces.
A woman who serves in the armed forces.
Servicewoman is usually formal, official, journalistic, military in register.
Servicewoman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜː.vɪsˌwʊm.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.vɪsˌwʊm.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A life of service (not exclusive, but applicable)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the phrase 'She serves' + 'icewoman' (a woman of action). A SERVICEwoman provides SERVICE in the military.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ARMED FORCES AS A SERVICE ORGANIZATION. A member is a 'provider of service' to the nation. GENDER AS A SPECIFIC CATEGORY within that organization.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'servicewoman' LEAST likely to be used?