1. a married woman whose main occupation is caring for her family and managing household affairs
Usage: traditional term
2. a small sewing kit containing needles, thread, and other basic supplies
Usage: also called housewife kit

Examples

• She chose to be a housewife after her children were born.
• The traditional housewife managed all the cooking and cleaning.
• Many housewives in the 1950s were expected to have dinner ready when their husbands came home.
• She packed a small housewife with thread and needles for the camping trip.
• The soldier’s housewife contained everything needed for mending uniforms.
• Modern women have more choices than just being a housewife or working outside the home.