noun
suffragette
suf-ruh-JET/ˌsʌfrəˈdʒet/
A woman who campaigned for women's right to vote, especially in the early twentieth century.
The suffragette marches with a banner demanding votes for women.
Etymology
Adding the feminine ending to suffrage made a name for a woman campaigning for voting rights. The term was especially associated with militant campaigners, rather than simply any woman entitled to vote.
In context
The suffragette was born and although determined to change the political climate, none of the founders could have imagined just how worldaltering this act would be.
More examples
- The suffragettes organized a rally outside Parliament.
- As a suffragette, she risked arrest for demanding voting rights.
- The museum displays letters written by a suffragette in prison.
Forms
suffragette · suffragettes
suffrage noun — The right to vote in public elections.
Similar words
- suffragist
- Includes any campaigner for voting rights, not only women.
- activist
- Covers campaigns for many causes, not specifically women's voting rights.