Bluestocking
noun
An educated woman who enjoys studying and reading.
In the 18th century, she was considered a bluestocking because of her interest in literature and philosophy.

Often appears as...
- bluestocking society
- bluestocking circle
Usage tips
Formal
Historical
noun
An educated woman who enjoys studying and reading.
In the 18th century, she was considered a bluestocking because of her interest in literature and philosophy.

Often appears as...
- bluestocking society
- bluestocking circle
Usage tips
Formal
Historical
Definition 1 of 1

Historical Usage
In historical contexts, 'bluestocking' referred to women breaking gender norms by engaging in intellectual pursuits.

Her grandmother was a proud bluestocking, advocating for women's education.
Possible Disrespect
'Bluestocking' can sound outdated and possibly disrespectful; use it cautiously in modern contexts.

Refer to her as a scholar, not a bluestocking, to avoid old-fashioned connotations.
Cultural Reference
The term may allude to the 18th-century Bluestocking Society, a group for intellectual women.

She admired the Bluestocking Society and aspired to create a similar group in her college.
Historical Usage
In historical contexts, 'bluestocking' referred to women breaking gender norms by engaging in intellectual pursuits.

Her grandmother was a proud bluestocking, advocating for women's education.
Possible Disrespect
'Bluestocking' can sound outdated and possibly disrespectful; use it cautiously in modern contexts.

Refer to her as a scholar, not a bluestocking, to avoid old-fashioned connotations.
Cultural Reference
The term may allude to the 18th-century Bluestocking Society, a group for intellectual women.

She admired the Bluestocking Society and aspired to create a similar group in her college.
Historical Usage
In historical contexts, 'bluestocking' referred to women breaking gender norms by engaging in intellectual pursuits.

Her grandmother was a proud bluestocking, advocating for women's education.
Possible Disrespect
'Bluestocking' can sound outdated and possibly disrespectful; use it cautiously in modern contexts.

Refer to her as a scholar, not a bluestocking, to avoid old-fashioned connotations.
Cultural Reference
The term may allude to the 18th-century Bluestocking Society, a group for intellectual women.

She admired the Bluestocking Society and aspired to create a similar group in her college.
Quote examples
Kate Williams
British Historian
I've always considered myself to look like a rather plain-and-exhausted bluestocking, so it's rather odd to read Tweets commenting on my appearance.

Quote examples
Kate Williams
British Historian
I've always considered myself to look like a rather plain-and-exhausted bluestocking, so it's rather odd to read Tweets commenting on my appearance.

Example 1 of 1
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