Standard Lemma guide

sister-wife

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A woman who is simultaneously sister and wife to her spouse.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

In a polygamous marriage, a woman who is simultaneously the sister and co-wife of another.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A co-wife in general.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Compound of sister + wife.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: zuster-vrouw — a woman who is simultaneously sister and wife to her spouse
  • French: sœur-épouse — a woman who is simultaneously sister and wife to her spouse
  • Polish: siostra-żona — a woman who is simultaneously sister and wife to her spouse
  • Chinese Mandarin: 娣媵 (dìyìng) — co-wife who is also one's sister
  • Dutch: zuster-vrouw — co-wife who is also one's sister
  • French: sœur-épouse — co-wife who is also one's sister
  • Polish: siostra-żona — co-wife who is also one's sister