Standard Lemma guide

womansplaining

noun · verb · 2 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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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

Condescending explanation of something by a woman, particularly to a man.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory, informal, uncountable

Examples

  • 2015, "Chris Davis", quoted by Emily Crane, The moment that left the new Prime Minister scratching his head: Tanya Plibersek accuses Malcolm Turnbull of 'mansplaining' during Question Time... but what does it mean? (in Mail Online) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3237538/Tanya-Plibersek-accuses-Malcolm-Turnbull-mansplaining-question-time-does-mean.html Womansplaining: When a woman incorrectly explains something, but you're not allowed to tell her without being accused of mansplaining.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: femsplaining

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

present participle and gerund of womansplain

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Blend of woman + explaining, modelled on mansplaining.