women

Noun

woman (plural women)

1. An adult female human.
   • the first woman president of Spain
2. (collective) All female humans collectively; womankind.
   • THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.1776 December 19, Thomas Paine, The American Crisis

   Synonyms:

   femininity

3. A female person, usually an adult: a (generally adult) female sentient being, whether human, supernatural, elf, alien, etc.
   • Sir, have you ever served with any Bajoran women?1993, Michael Piller, “Emissary”, in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, season 1, episode 1, spoken by Chief O'Brien (Colm Meaney)
4. A wife (or sometimes a fiancée or girlfriend).
   • Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, So that he shall have no need of spoil.1611, King James, “Proverbs 31:10-31”, in King James Bible, England
5. A female person who is extremely fond of or devoted to a specified type of thing. (Used as the last element of a compound.)
   • Perhaps my problem is that I am a cat woman. I can't imagine any finicky feline (and they all are that at one time or another) slobbering over anyone, even a beloved owner, the way a dog does.2004, Hyveth Williams, Secrets of a Happy Heart: A Fresh Look at the Sermon on the Mount, page 70
6. A female attendant or servant.
   • By her woman I sent your message.1613 (date written), William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher], “The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio)...

See all 10 meanings of woman