Meaning
spinster, old maid
- an older unmarried woman, usually derogatory or humorous
In a sentence
Un tempo le donne non sposate venivano chiamate zitelle.
In the past, unmarried women were called spinsters.
Temeva di rimanere zitella e di vivere sempre da sola.
She was afraid of staying an old maid and living alone forever.
Oggi la parola zitella è considerata offensiva da molti.
Nowadays the word spinster is considered offensive by many.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| zitella | feminine · singular |
| zitelle | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Often derogatory: avoid using it to address or describe women politely.
- The masculine counterpart 'zitellone' refers humorously to a confirmed bachelor.