What does laywoman mean?
A laywoman is a woman who serves or participates in a particular field, institution, or organization without being a professional specialist or member of the clergy. The word is especially common in religious settings, where it distinguishes ordinary members of a congregation from ordained clergy, and in legal, civic, and organizational contexts, where it refers to people serving in a non-professional capacity. It can also mean a woman who lacks specialized training in a field. Because the term is explicitly gendered, it is most appropriate when the person’s sex or gender is relevant to the context; otherwise, “layperson” or a more specific gender-neutral term is usually better.
nounA woman who is not a member of the clergy or another profession, especially one who participates in an organization or religious body as a non-specialist.
- A woman who is not a member of the clergy or another profession, particularly one serving in a religious, civic, or organizational capacity.
- A woman without specialized professional training or expertise in a particular field.
"The committee includes two laywomen from the local community."
"Several laywomen served on the panel that investigated the complaint."
"The workshop was designed for laywomen, rather than professional architects."
The standard plural changes “-man” to “-women” and changes the internal vowel.
"The two laywomen presented recommendations to the committee."
In the word “laywoman,” “lay” means non-clerical, not careless—so a laywoman is not a woman who has laid something down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laywoman come from?
The word combines “lay,” in the sense of non-clerical or non-professional, with “woman.” Its related forms “layman” and “layperson” follow the same pattern, while the older base “lay” has long been used to describe someone outside the clergy. The modern sense developed from the ecclesiastical contrast between clergy and laity.
How laywoman is actually used
The term is formal and is often used in religious, legal, institutional, or professional contexts. It is gendered; “layperson” is generally preferred when gender is irrelevant.
Easily confused with laywoman
“Layman” is the traditionally masculine form for a non-specialist or non-clerical person, while “laywoman” explicitly identifies a woman.
“Layperson” is a gender-neutral term for a non-specialist or non-clerical person, whereas “laywoman” specifically identifies a woman.