noun

wench

wehnch

noun

An old-fashioned or humorous term for a young woman, sometimes used at Renaissance fairs or in historical fiction.

"The actress played a tavern wench in the medieval drama."

Historically, a female servant.

"In the story, the kitchen wench overhears the plot against the king."

How to Use Wench

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old or playful word for a young woman, often used today in historical or comic contexts.

When to use it

Outside of historical or joking use, calling someone a "wench" is considered old-fashioned, condescending, or offensive.

Word Forms

wenched past tense, wenches plural, wench plural, wenched plural, wenches singular, wench singular, wenched singular, wenchest singular, wenchedst singular, wencheth singular

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The actress played a tavern _____ in the medieval drama.

Etymology

From Middle English wenche, a shortened form of wenchel ("child, young girl"), from Old English wenċel, meaning "child" or "servant."

Rhymes for wench

inch bench conch lunch punch finch lynch cinch pinch bunch winch munch

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