housework

housework — noun

1. the regular everyday tasks that must be done in a home, such as washing dishes,

1.nounB1
Definition

the regular everyday tasks that must be done in a home, such as washing dishes, sweeping floors, and making beds

Example

Ravi spends an hour on housework every morning before school starts.

spend + time + on + housework — time allocation pattern

When everyone in the house shares the housework, no single person gets too tired.

share + the + housework — collocation for dividing tasks

Common collocations
  • do + (the) housework
  • share + the housework
  • help with + (the) housework
  • catch up on + housework
  • manage + housework
  • spend + time + on + housework
Synonyms
  • chores

    more specific, refers to individual tasks (do the dishes, take out the trash) rather than the general concept

  • housekeeping

    broader, includes managing a household and organizing, not just physical cleaning

  • domestic work

    more formal and broader, can include cooking, childcare, and cleaning

Grammar Patterns

do (the) housework

help with (the) housework

share the housework

Usage Note

Uncountable noun — never used with the indefinite article 'a' or in plural form. Commonly paired with the light verb 'do' (do the housework). Do not confuse with 'homework' (school assignments done at home).

Common Mistakes

I have to do my housework before class tomorrow.
I have to do my homework before class tomorrow.
'housework' means household chores; 'homework' means school assignments.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While 'housework' refers to the general concept of routine tasks in a home, 'chores' emphasizes individual, often unpleasant, daily tasks (washing dishes, taking out trash) and is more countable ('a chore'). 'Housekeeping' is broader — it includes managing the household, organizing schedules, and budgeting, not just physical cleaning. 'Domestic work' is a formal term that covers all work in a household, including childcare and cooking. For example: 'I need to finish my housework before guests arrive' (general). 'Taking out the trash is my least favorite chore' (one specific task). 'Good housekeeping keeps the whole home running smoothly' (management). 'Domestic workers are entitled to fair wages' (formal, professional context).

choreshousekeeping ↗domestic work

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed by combining the Old English words 'hūs' (dwelling, shelter) and 'weorc' (effort, labor). The compound 'housework' first appeared in English writing around the mid-18th century, describing the routine cleaning and maintenance tasks needed inside a home.