housework

noun

house·​work ˈhau̇s-ˌwərk How to pronounce housework (audio)
: the work of housekeeping

Examples of housework in a Sentence

I got up early and did some housework.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Studies show that the gendered division of cognitive labor is even more unequal than housework or childcare. — Marianne Cooper, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 Their children are exhausting and the housework never ends and their husbands are babies. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2026 Not surprisingly, exercising, housework and chores and commuting and traveling capture a lot of attention from listeners. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 On top of that, Bland was doing all the housework, including renovations, on her own because her husband was working 12 to 14 hours a day. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for housework

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of housework was in 1613

Rhymes for housework

See All Rhymes for housework

Browse Nearby Words

house wine
housework
houseworker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Housework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/housework. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

housework

noun
house·​work ˈhau̇-ˌswərk How to pronounce housework (audio)
: the work of housekeeping

More from Merriam-Webster on housework

Nglish: Translation of housework for Spanish Speakers

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