businesswoman
businesswoman
Pronunciation
ˈbɪznɪsˌwʊmən
Syllable Breakdown
bus-: /ˈbɪz/
/b/: voiced bilabial stop
/ɪ/: near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/z/: voiced alveolar fricative
i-nes-: /nɪs/
/n/: voiced alveolar nasal
/ɪ/: near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/s/: voiceless alveolar fricative
wom-: /wʊm/
/w/: voiced labial-velar approximant
/ʊ/: near-close near-back rounded vowel
/m/: voiced bilabial nasal
an: /ən/
/ə/: schwa (mid-central vowel)
/n/: voiced alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
Singular: businesswoman
Plural: businesswomen
Gender-neutral alternative (singular): businessperson
Gender-neutral alternative (plural): businesspeople
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
businesswoman (plural: businesswomen)
A female individual who is actively involved in commercial, industrial, or professional enterprises, often holding a leadership, executive, or ownership role. This includes women who start, run, or manage businesses, or those who hold significant positions within established companies.
Synonyms: entrepreneur, executive, magnate, proprietor, trader, industrialist, corporate leader.
Antonyms: employee (in a general sense, not specifically excluding a businesswoman), dependent, consumer.
A woman who demonstrates acumen, strategic thinking, and drive in commercial dealings, typically with the aim of achieving financial success or growth.
Synonyms: go-getter, mover and shaker, astute professional, ambitious individual.
Antonyms: novice, amateur, layperson.
Examples of Use
Books: "Sheryl Sandberg, a prominent businesswoman and author, explores the challenges and opportunities for women in leadership in her book Lean In."
Newspapers: "The financial section of The Wall Street Journal highlighted the success of the tech businesswoman who recently took her startup public, generating significant buzz in the market." (The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications: "Forbes.com featured an interview with the innovative businesswoman behind a sustainable fashion brand, discussing her journey from concept to global enterprise." (Forbes.com)
Television/Film: In the TV series Succession, Shiv Roy is often portrayed as a powerful and ambitious businesswoman navigating the cutthroat world of media conglomerates.
Podcasts: "On the 'How I Built This' podcast, the host interviewed a serial businesswoman who shared insights into scaling multiple successful ventures."
Social Media: A LinkedIn post might read: "Thrilled to connect with so many inspiring businesswomen at today's industry conference! #womeninbusiness"
Public Discourse: During a recent economic forum, a speaker might have said, "We need to empower more young women to become businesswomen and contribute to our nation's economic growth."
10 Quotes Using Businesswoman
"I hope that people remember me not just as a good businesswoman but as a great friend - and a heck of a lot of fun." (Kate Spade)
"My biggest challenge every day is to be a great mother and a great businesswoman." (Tory Burch)
"You definitely have to be a businesswoman to be a musician." (Olivia Rodrigo)
"I wasn't a businesswoman, so I didn't know how to build a career." (Sally Kellerman)
"I wanted to be a businesswoman from as early as I can remember, and specifically, my real passion was real estate." (Ivanka Trump)
"I'm a businesswoman who's serious about her money. I want an empire." (Toni Braxton)
"I'm a very determined businesswoman; I've got lots of things to do, and I don't have time to be classified as difficult, and I don't have time." (Kim Basinger)
"You have to be tough. You have to make decisions and be a businesswoman." (Rebecca Ferguson)
"I'm an artist, but I'm also a businesswoman, and sometimes you have to play hard." (Jessie J)
"I am a businesswoman who goes to work every single day." (Tyra Banks)
Etymology
The word "businesswoman" is a straightforward combination of two older English words: "business" and "woman."
"Business" comes from the Old English word "bisignis" (or "bisignes"), which meant "occupation," "work," or "diligence." It's about being busy or engaged in an activity.
"Woman" comes from the Old English "wīfmann," where "wīf" meant "female" and "mann" meant "person" (the word "man" originally referred to a person of either gender).
So, essentially, "businesswoman" literally means a "female person engaged in an occupation or work."
The first known use of the noun "businesswoman" is recorded in the 1820s, specifically in 1827, in the writings of Christian Isobel Johnstone, a Scottish journalist and author. At that time, it would have been used to describe a woman who was actively involved in commercial or industrial pursuits, distinguishing her from women who primarily managed household affairs. This emergence reflects a period when women, though often facing significant societal barriers, were increasingly finding roles and making contributions in the commercial world.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Businesswoman
A shrewd businesswoman: Implies someone who is very clever and effective in business dealings.
A pioneering businesswoman: Refers to a woman who is among the first or a leader in a particular business field or venture.
To excel as a businesswoman: To perform exceptionally well in a business career.
The making of a businesswoman: Describes the process or qualities that contribute to someone becoming a successful female professional.
A natural-born businesswoman: Suggests someone who inherently possesses the skills and instincts for business.
She drives like a businesswoman: (Lesser-known/Original, implying efficiency and purpose)
A formidable businesswoman: Denotes a powerful and respected female figure in business.
To be a true businesswoman: To embody the qualities of professionalism, strategic thinking, and dedication in one's work.
An astute entrepreneur (using a synonym for similar effect): Implies sharp business sense.
A corporate titan (using a synonym for similar effect, often gender-neutral but can apply to powerful women): Refers to a very powerful person in the corporate world.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of businesswoman from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
