What do you call a woman if she's not married?

There are a few different terms that can be used to refer to a woman who is not married. The most common and widely accepted term nowadays is simply “single woman”. However, there are some other historic and cultural terms that have been or are still sometimes used as well. In this article, we’ll take a look at the various options and their background.

Table of Contents

Common Terms

Single Woman

The most widely used and accepted term in English for an unmarried woman is “single woman”. This is a simple descriptive term that indicates her relationship status, without any negative connotations.

Some key facts about using the term “single woman”:

It is appropriate to use in all contexts and is not offensive.
It does not imply anything about her sexual experience or activities.
It does not refer to her age, though the term is most often applied to younger adult women.

It simply indicates that she is not currently married.

“Single woman” is the preferred neutral term in English when marital status needs to be referenced but no other information is known. It is applicable regardless of whether the woman has been previously married or not.

Unmarried Woman

A synonym for “single woman” is “unmarried woman”. This emphasizes the lack of marital status instead of singleness per se.

Some key facts about using the term “unmarried woman”:

It means the same thing as “single woman” but the emphasis is on being not married.
It is appropriate to use in all contexts and not offensive.

It does not imply anything about sexual experience or activities.
It is more likely to be applied to adult women since “unmarried” implies someone mature enough to wed.
It simply indicates she has never been married or is currently not married.

While very similar to “single woman”, “unmarried woman” focuses more specifically on her marital status. But both terms are broadly acceptable ways to refer to a woman who is not married.

Miss

Traditionally, the title “Miss” was used to formally address an unmarried woman. Some key facts:

Historically, it distinguished between unmarried and married women who were addressed as “Mrs”.

Its usage has declined significantly as social norms have changed.
Some women still prefer to use “Miss” if they are not married and do not wish to disclose marital status.
It remains acceptable in formal invitations and other very formal contexts.

In modern times, “Ms.” has generally replaced “Miss” as the standard neutral title.

While the use of “Miss” is fading, it can still occasionally be seen, especially in very formal or traditional social contexts. But in most everyday situations “Ms.” is now used regardless of marital status.

Ms.

The title “Ms.” arose as an alternative to “Miss” and “Mrs.” and does not indicate marital status:

It came into significant usage in the 1970s as women sought equality.
It is now widely considered the standard neutral title for women.
Unlike “Miss” it does not imply anything about a woman’s marital status.

It can be used appropriately for married and single women.
Some women prefer “Ms.” specifically to avoid indicating marital status.

In modern usage “Ms.” is the safest neutral title to use for women, whether they are single or not. It does not disclose any information about their marital status.

Historic and Cultural Terms

In addition to the common modern terms already discussed, there are some historic and cultural terms that have been associated with unmarried women. Some key facts about each:

Spinster

A “spinster” refers to an older unmarried woman.
It originated from the occupation of spinning wool and thread.

It had negative connotations implying the woman was unlikely to marry.
The term is now considered archaic and disrespectful.
It should be avoided in modern usage.

While “spinster” was once commonly used, it is now seen as outdated, inaccurate and even offensive. It should not be used to refer to a single woman.

Maiden

A “maiden” has historically referred to an unmarried young woman.
It places emphasis on virginity and chastity.

It is rarely used in everyday modern situations.
Persists in some very formal or legal phrasings like “maiden name”.
But in general contexts, calling a woman a “maiden” is unusual.

The term “maiden” has very old-fashioned connotations of purity and virginity. Using it to describe a single woman is antiquated.

Old Maid

An “old maid” refers to a woman who never marries.
It has very negative implications of being unwanted and lonely.

The term is highly derogatory and offensive.
It should never be used to describe a single woman.

Referring to a single woman as an “old maid” is incredibly disrespectful and demeaning. This terminology should be avoided completely.

Conclusion

In modern English, the most appropriate and respectful terms for referring to a woman who is not married are “single woman” or “unmarried woman”. The title “Ms.” is also widely preferred as the neutral option regardless of marital status. Other historic terms like “spinster” or “old maid” are outdated and offensive. Culture and social norms have evolved such that a woman’s value and worth are no longer tied to her marital status. Single or unmarried women have many possibilities open to them in society. Using respectful language like “single woman” recognizes and supports that. The simple descriptive terms are best when referring to a woman who is not married in the present day.

Table Comparing Terms for Unmarried Woman

Term	Meaning	Connotations	Appropriateness
Single Woman	Woman who is not married	Neutral, descriptive	Acceptable
Unmarried Woman	Woman who has never married or is not currently married	Neutral, descriptive	Acceptable
Miss	Formal title for an unmarried woman	Historically distinguished marital status	Limited formal uses
Ms.	Neutral formal title for any woman	Does not disclose marital status	Broadly acceptable
Spinster	Older unmarried woman	Negative, unlikely to marry	Avoid, offensive
Maiden	Young unmarried woman	Emphasis on virginity	Archaic
Old Maid	Woman who never marries	Very negative, unwanted	Avoid, highly derogatory