distaff

adjective

Definition of distaffnext
as in petticoat

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distaff The league leaned into its distaff audience by naming each team after trailblazing women. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 And then Grisebach uses that distaff twist once again, to comment more broadly on the patriarchal nature and gendered violence of power structures corrupted by historical conflict. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 22 May 2026 An Elm Drive victory would give trainer Phil D’Amato a very successful weekend on the distaff side of the ledger. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2021 Even if a separate, distaff canon is built, the atmosphere against which it’s being constructed is, gradually, becoming more integrated. — Wesley Morris, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distaff
  1. female
  2. ladylike
Adjective
  • What an intriguing and clever twist on the classic bank heist narrative, with powerful female performances at its core by Carrie Crowley, Bríd Brennan and Eva-Jane Gaffney.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Ivey was arrested as a result of the investigation and charged with capital rape, first degree domestic battery, unlawful female mutilation of a minor and first degree terroristic threatening, the post said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of female
Adjective
  • The ladylike shoes, also known as ballet pumps, have taken on new life as a runway and celebrity favorite in recent years.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 21 July 2026
  • In the 1940s, the Queen switched rings, and began wearing a ladylike large pearl, encircled with diamonds.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Definition of ladylike

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dissuading
distaff
distain
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Cite this Entry

“Distaff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distaff. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on distaff

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about distaff

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