What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
washerwife
Example
The washerwife was busy scrubbing the clothes by the river. [washerwife: noun]
Example
She worked as a washerwife in the local laundry, washing clothes for the townspeople. [washerwife: noun]
laundress
Example
The laundress pressed the wrinkles out of the shirt with a hot iron. [laundress: noun]
Example
She worked as a laundress at the hotel, ensuring that the guests' clothes were clean and neatly pressed. [laundress: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Laundress is more commonly used than washerwife in modern English. Washerwife is an archaic term that is rarely used today, while laundress is still in use and can refer to both men and women who work in the laundry industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between washerwife and laundress?
Laundress is considered a more formal term than washerwife. While washerwife has a more historical and informal connotation, laundress is still used in modern English and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
