Charwoman

A charwoman is a woman employed to clean houses or offices. The term often implies a casual or part-time arrangement and can carry historical connotations of low-skilled labor and lower socioeconomic status. Primarily tasked with performing basic cleaning duties, a charwoman typically handles tasks like sweeping, mopping, dusting, and washing dishes. Their work can involve either a single household, multiple clients, or commercial spaces. The role is often paid by the hour or job, and historically it provided employment for women with limited access to other types of work. The term is a traditional one, with its usage decreasing in modern times, and its usage can now often feel outdated, with more current terminology such as cleaner or cleaning lady/person being used more frequently in modern contexts.

Charwoman meaning with examples

• Mrs. Gable employed a charwoman twice a week to keep her large Victorian house spotless. The charwoman arrived early each morning to scrub the floors, polish the furniture, and make sure everything was pristine before Mrs. Gable's morning tea. The charwoman always left her home feeling refreshed.
• The bustling office complex relied on a charwoman to tidy up after the employees left each evening. She emptied the bins, cleaned the desks, and kept the communal kitchen areas spotless. The charwoman would always greet the building's staff with a smile.
• Before the advent of modern cleaning services, hiring a charwoman was common practice for families of varied means. Many households needed help to maintain cleanliness. Their efficiency allowed other family members to work, study, or pursue other endeavors, ensuring home life ran efficiently.
• In historical novels, the plight of the charwoman is frequently depicted, highlighting their often-difficult circumstances and the long hours they worked for minimal pay. These depictions often serve to illuminate societal inequalities.