adjective
- having the characteristics traditionally associated with an unmarried woman, especially being prim, old-fashioned, or overly particular
Usage: often considered outdated or offensive
Examples
- Her spinsterly habits included keeping a spotless house and going to bed early.
- The character was portrayed with spinsterly mannerisms and conservative dress.
- She rejected the spinsterly stereotype and lived life on her own terms.
- His aunt’s spinsterly ways made the children feel they had to whisper indoors.
- The novel depicted the spinsterly woman as both lonely and fiercely independent.