martha
n. countablen. a person who is very helpful and busy taking care of others, especially with cooking or cleaning. It comes from a story in the Bible about a woman who worked hard while her sister listened to a teacher.
n. a person, typically a woman, who is preoccupied with domestic tasks or service to others. Derived from the biblical figure Martha of Bethany, it implies a character focused on practical hospitality rather than spiritual or intellectual contemplation.
She is a real Martha, always making sure everyone has enough to eat.
While the rest of the family relaxed by the pool, she played the Martha, spending the entire afternoon preparing a four-course dinner.
The narrative contrasts the contemplative life with that of the Martha, suggesting that while domestic labor is essential for the household, it can distract from more profound intellectual pursuits.
* From Latin Martha, from Ancient Greek Μάρθα (Mártha), from Aramaic מָרְתָא (mārtā, “mistress”), feminine of מרא (mārā). Doublet of Marfa. * (humidity chamber): From the use of Martha Stewart-branded storage closets in the construction of early units.
Often used as an allusion or a metaphor; frequently preceded by the definite article when describing a person's behavior.