Spinster facts for kids

A spinster is an older word used to describe an unmarried woman. Today, people usually say "single woman" or bachelorette instead. The word "spinster" used to have a specific meaning related to work, but over time, it became a way to describe a woman who had not married by a certain age.

What Does 'Spinster' Mean?

The word "spinster" comes from the Old English word "spinnan," which means "to spin." In the past, spinning thread was a common job for unmarried women. It was a way for them to earn money and support themselves. Because so many unmarried women worked as spinners, the word "spinster" became linked to them.

How the Word Changed Over Time

For a long time, "spinster" was just a legal term. It was used in official documents, like wills or contracts, to describe a woman who was not married. It didn't have a negative meaning. However, by the 17th century, the word started to change. It began to suggest that a woman was unmarried because she was older or had somehow missed her chance to marry.

Spinster in Society

In many societies, especially in the past, it was expected for women to marry and have families. If a woman remained unmarried, she might have been seen differently. The term "spinster" sometimes carried a social idea that an unmarried woman was "left on the shelf" or that something was wrong. This idea is a stereotype, which is a fixed and often unfair idea about a group of people.

Modern Views on Being Single

Today, the idea of "spinster" is mostly outdated. Many people find the word old-fashioned and even offensive. Society has changed a lot, and it is now very common and accepted for women to choose not to marry, or to marry later in life. Being single is seen as a personal choice, and it does not define a woman's worth or success. Women have many opportunities for education, careers, and personal growth, whether they are married or not.

Images for kids

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  The Spinner by William-Adolphe Bouguereau shows a woman hand-spinning using a drop spindle. Fibers to be spun are bound to a distaff held in her left hand.

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  Monument to Peg Woffington (1720-1760) in St Mary's church, Teddington which describes her marital status

See also

In Spanish: Solterón para niños