English Explanatory Dictionary

bridesmaid

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A woman who attends a bride during her wedding ceremony, as part of the main wedding party.
  2. A person or team that perennially finishes well, but never first.
verb
  1. To act as a bridesmaid for; to attend a bride during her wedding ceremony.

Pronunciation

/ˈbɹaɪdzˌmeɪd/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-bridesmaid.wav

Word forms

bridesmaid bridesmaids bridemaid bride's maid bridesmaiding bridesmaided

Etymology

From bride + -s- + maid. In the sports and entertainment sense: in reference to the saying always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

Related words

bridesmaiden bridesmatron maid of honor bridesmaids

Derived words

always a bridesmaid, never a bride brosmaid junior bridesmaid
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