balabosta

noun

ba·​la·​bos·​ta
variants or balebosta
ˌbäləˈbȯstə
or baal-ha-bosta
ˌbäl(h)aə-
plural -s
: a Jewish mistress of the house
especially : an efficient or competent Jewish housewife or hostess

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish baleboste, from balebos

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of balabosta was in 1952

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near balabosta

Cite this Entry

“Balabosta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balabosta. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!