The semantic adventures of woman

What does woman mean, and why has its definition become such a political and semantic battleground? This article explores the contemporary semantic, social, and ideological dimensions of the term woman, demonstrating how its meaning is shaped by, and in turn shapes, evolving cultural, legal, and political practices. Drawing on feminist linguistic theory, cognitive semantics, dictionary entries, legal definitions, and survey data, I investigate how woman has become a contested category, particularly in light of debates over trans and non-binary identities. From componential analysis to prototype theory and Natural Semantic Metalanguage, the article evaluates various semantic frameworks to see which theory best explains how people are currently using woman as well as metadiscourses about what they think it should mean. I argue that prototype theory, which allows for flexible, gradable membership in a category is the best theory we currently have to explain how woman is being used. However, the absence of clearly defined category boundaries remains problematic, especially when legal interpretations demand definitive exclusions or inclusions, as illustrated by the 2025 UK Supreme Court decision that ruled the legal definition of woman to be based on biological sex. The article adopts a descriptive and critical approach, analysing how speakers are using woman and what they think the word should mean. In doing so, it shows that semantics is not neutral: defining woman is also a struggle over social recognition, policy-making, and power. Ultimately, the article argues that woman has become a site of ideological struggle, in which the evolving and competing meanings of the word woman reflect broader tensions in feminism and gender politics.