Wife — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈwīf/

Meaning & Definition of Wife

Wife (noun)

  1. woman
  2. a woman acting in a specified capacity —used in combination
  3. a female partner in a marriage

Wife (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the female partner in a marriage

    "a husband and wife who treat each other as equals in their marriage"

    similar: helpmate, helpmeet, lady, madam, missus, Mrs., old lady, wifey, woman (chiefly dialect)
    related: bride, better half, companion, consort, mate, partner, significant other, soulmate, spouse, dowager, matron, hausfrau, homemaker, housekeeper, housewife, stay-at-home, widow

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Wife

The most common words with a similar meaning to Wife:

Chiefly dialect: woman
helpmate, helpmeet, lady, madam, missus, Mrs., old lady, wifey

Related Words for Wife

bride, better half, companion, consort, mate, partner, significant other, soulmate, spouse, dowager, matron, hausfrau, homemaker, housekeeper, housewife, stay-at-home, widow

Word Forms of Wife

Inflections: wives

Derived words: wifehood (noun), wifeless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Wife

Middle English wif, from Old English wīf; akin to Old High German wīb wife and probably to Tocharian B kwīpe female pudenda

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Wife

Words & Phrases Containing Wife

estranged wife, husband and wife, trophy wife, tradwife, take a wife/husband

Frequently Asked Questions about Wife

What does "Wife" mean?

"Wife" means woman. As a noun, it is defined as: woman.

What is another word for "Wife"?

Other words for "Wife" include helpmate, helpmeet, lady, madam, missus, Mrs., old lady and wifey. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Wife" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Wife"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Wife". Common alternatives include helpmate, helpmeet, lady, madam, missus, Mrs., old lady, wifey and woman.

How do you use "Wife" in a sentence?

Examples of "Wife" in a sentence: "a husband and wife who treat each other as equals in their marriage".

Is "Wife" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Wife" is a noun.

Is "Wife" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Wife" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Wife"?

"Wife" is pronounced /ˈwīf/.

What is the origin of the word "Wife"?

"Wife" comes from Middle English wif, from Old English wīf; akin to Old High German wīb wife and probably to Tocharian B kwīpe female pudenda. First known use: before 12th century.