Meaning & Definition of word "Bridesmaid"

Bridesmaid

/ˈbraɪdz.meɪd/

noun:

  • 1. A woman who is a friend or relative of the bride and who is typically part of the wedding party, assisting the bride on her wedding day.
    • Example: She was honored to be chosen as her sister's bridesmaid for the wedding.
  • 2. A woman who attends to the bride during the ceremony and reception.
    • Example: The bridesmaid held the beautiful bouquet while the bride exchanged vows.
  • 3. A female attendant of the bride, often wearing a similar dress to the bride's but in a different color.
    • Example: All the bridesmaids wore matching dresses in the wedding's theme color.
  • 4. Someone who provides emotional and practical support to the bride during the wedding planning process.
    • Example: As the wedding day approached, the bridesmaid helped the bride finalize the details.
  • 5. A member of the bridal party, often expected to participate in pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower or bachelorette party.
    • Example: The bridesmaids organized a fun bachelorette party for the bride.

Etymology

The term 'bridesmaid' originated in the Middle English 'bridesmaide', combining 'bride' and 'maid', referring to a young woman who serves since antiquity.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bridesmaid dress:

A dress worn by a bridesmaid at a wedding.

bridesmaid duties:

The responsibilities assigned to a bridesmaid, such as planning the bachelorette party or helping the bride with wedding preparations.

bridesmaid proposal:

An invitation from a bride to a friend or relative to be a bridesmaid.

Related Words

bride:

A woman on her wedding day.

groom:

A man on his wedding day.

wedding:

A ceremony where two people are united in marriage.

Slang Meanings of bridesmaid

Meaning: Bride's squad

Example Sentence: She's got her bride's squad ready for the wedding.

Meaning: Maid for the day

Example Sentence: As her maid for the day, I had to keep her calm before the ceremony.