Homemaker vs. Housewife — What's the Difference?

A person who manages a household, especially as their main occupation.

A woman's sewing kit or small pouch containing needles, thread, and other sewing essentials.

A person who prioritizes the welfare and organization of their household.

A woman who dedicates her time primarily to homemaking activities.

Someone skilled in domestic tasks.

A married woman who manages and organizes her household, often not employed outside the home.

A person, irrespective of gender, responsible for home management.

A housewife (also known as a homemaker) is a woman whose work is running or managing her family's home—caring for her children; buying, cooking, and storing food for the family; buying goods that the family needs for everyday life; housekeeping, cleaning and maintaining the home; and making, buying and/or mending clothes for the family—and who is not employed outside the home (a career woman). A housewife who has children may be called a stay-at-home mother or mom.Webster's Dictionary defines a housewife as a married woman who is in charge of her household.

Someone who creates a comfortable living environment.

A married woman whose main occupation is caring for her family, managing household affairs, and doing housework

(US) A person who maintains the administration and upkeep of his or her residence, especially one who is not employed outside the home; one who runs the household.

A small case for needles, thread, and other small sewing items.

A person, especially a woman, who manages a home.

A married woman who manages the household as her main occupation and whose spouse usually earns the family income.

One who manages a household, especially as one's main daily activity.

(hŭzĭf) A small container for needles, thread, and other sewing equipment.

(plural "housewives") A woman whose main employment is homemaking, maintaining the upkeep of her home and tending to household affairs; often, such a woman whose sole [unpaid] employment is homemaking.

(plural "housewives") The wife of a householder; the mistress of a family; the female head of a household.

(plural "housewifes") A little case or bag for materials used in sewing, and for other articles of female work.

Alternative form of housewive

The wife of a householder; the mistress of a family; the female head of a household.

To manage with skill and economy, as a housewife or other female manager; to economize.

A wife who who manages a household while her husband earns the family income

A woman dedicated to domestic concerns, especially in relation to her family.

A term emphasizing the marital status of a woman in relation to her domestic role.

While still used, "housewife" has traditional connotations and is less common than "homemaker."

Yes, "homemaker" doesn't imply any specific marital status.

Functionally, yes, but "housewife" emphasizes a woman's marital status.

Historically, "housewife" was more common, reflecting traditional gender roles.

No, it encompasses all tasks and responsibilities of running a household.

Absolutely. Many balance household management with professional obligations.

"Homemaker" is more neutral and inclusive, aligning with modern sensibilities.

Yes, a man can be a homemaker. The term is gender-neutral.

Yes, a person can manage household tasks regardless of outside employment.

"Stay-at-home mom" or "domestic engineer" are similar but have different nuances.

It has evolved from a standard role to a choice among various life paths.

Yes, but it's less commonly used. "Homemaker" is a more neutral term.

Typically, homemaking isn't legally recognized as employment, so standard work benefits don't apply.

Yes, it can also mean a sewing kit, but this usage is less common.

Historically, yes, but in modern usage, it's not strictly the case.