Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈɑːwʊmən] (IPA) 
The word "charwoman" is spelled with a "ch" sound at the beginning rather than a "k" sound, despite its similarity to the word "kitchen." This is due to the influence of the Old English word "ceorl," which had a "ch" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "charwoman" would be /ˈtʃɑːwʊmən/, with the "ch" sound represented by the symbol /tʃ/ and the unstressed "-wo" sound pronounced as /wʊ/.
A charwoman, often referred to as a cleaning lady or maid, is a female worker who is primarily hired to perform domestic cleaning tasks in various residential or commercial settings. The term "charwoman" is derived from the combination of the old English word "chare," meaning "a job or task," and "woman," indicating the gender of the worker.
Typically, a charwoman is employed to undertake a range of cleaning duties such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and washing various surfaces like floors, windows, walls, and furniture. They may also be responsible for tidying up rooms, organizing clutter, emptying trash, and maintaining overall cleanliness in the assigned area. In some cases, charwomen may be employed on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the requirements of the employer.
Charwomen can be found working in various environments, including private residences, hotels, offices, and other establishments that require regular cleaning maintenance. They may work independently or be part of a team supervised by a head housekeeper or manager.
While the term "charwoman" was traditionally used more commonly in the past, modern usage now tends to favor gender-neutral terms such as "cleaning staff" or "janitorial staff." However, the role and responsibilities of a charwoman remain largely unchanged, focusing on providing efficient and thorough cleaning services to ensure a clean and hygienic environment for the occupants or visitors of a respective premises.
The word "charwoman" is derived from the Middle English term "cherwomman" which originated from the Old English words "cerwen" (to turn) and "wifman" (woman). In Old English, "wifman" referred to a female person, and "cerwen" meant to turn or spin. Over time, "cherwomman" evolved into "charwoman", specifically meaning a woman who was hired to do cleaning or household work.
