First-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century, which primarily focused on gaining the right of women's suffrage. The term was not used during the time of the movement; the term was coined retroactively after second-wave feminism began to be used to describe a newer feminist movement.

Prominent leaders of the movement included Elizabeth Cady Stanton,Susan B. Anthony and Nelly McClung.

In the United States, the end of first-wave feminism may be regarded as the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

See also

• second-wave feminism
• third-wave feminism