Wife
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /wæf/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Wife is a noun meaning A married woman, especially in relation to her spouse.
Meaning
A married woman, especially in relation to her spouse.
More Meanings
- The female of a pair of mated animals.
- (Scotland, otherwise puristic) Synonym of woman.
- (colloquial, originally African-American Vernacular) To marry (a woman).
Example Sentences
The Fisherman and His Wife
A new wife for the gander is introduced into the pen.
And I geue vnto the ſame Elizabeth my wif the ſparuers and hangings of the ſame twoo beddes vſuallye occupied, and hanging ouer and about the ſame twoo beddes[…]
I stepped out and advanced valiantly upon a long-maned bull in the midst of his wives. I was armed with the regular club with which the boat-pullers killed the wounded seals gaffed aboard by the hunters.
Word Forms
- wifes
- wifing
- wifed
Synonyms for wife
Depending on context, synonyms include boss, bride, dutch, frow, geezer, lady.
Antonyms for wife
Common opposites include husband, were, hubby.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include missus, ex-wife, spouse, femme, maiden, madam.
Related Dictionary Tools
Practice “wife” in a Crossword
Recall this definition from a clue, use crossing letters, and review the word again when you solve it.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.