English Reference

Word

bride

US/ˈbɹaɪd/

UK/bɹˈaɪd/

Definitions

01at a wedding

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a woman who is getting married or has very recently married.

n. a female participant in a marriage ceremony, specifically from the time of the engagement through the immediate aftermath of the wedding.

“The bride wore a beautiful white dress and carried a bunch of flowers.”

“The bride walked down the aisle accompanied by her father, while the guests stood to acknowledge her entrance.”

Usage

Often used in the fixed phrase 'bride and groom'.

Pitfall

The bride and her husband were very happy.

The bride and groom were very happy.

In the context of the wedding ceremony itself, 'bride' is almost always paired with 'groom' rather than 'husband'.

Teaching tip

While 'bride' refers to the woman on the day, she is called a 'fiancée' before the wedding and a 'wife' after the honeymoon period begins.

Synonyms

newlywed

Antonyms

groom

02lacework

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical

n. a small thread or loop that connects different parts of a lace pattern.

n. a small bridge or connecting thread used in needle lace to join various elements of the design.

“The artist used delicate brides to hold the floral patterns of the lace together.”

“The structural integrity of the antique lace depended on the strength of the fine brides connecting the heavy floral motifs.”

Usage

Usually appears in the plural form 'brides' when discussing textile construction.

Synonyms

bartielink

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bride” in context.

Verb

01. give away the bride

“It is a tradition for the father to give away the bride during the ceremony.”

verb + noun

02. toast the bride

“The best man asked everyone to stand and toast the bride.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. beautiful bride

“Everyone turned to look at the beautiful bride as she walked down the aisle.”

adj + noun

04. blushing bride

“The blushing bride smiled shyly at her new husband during the reception.”

adj + noun

Noun

05. bride and groom

“The bride and groom cut the wedding cake together while guests took photos.”

noun + noun

06. bride's dress

“The bride's dress was made of white silk and handmade lace.”

noun + noun

07. father of the bride

“The father of the bride gave a very emotional speech at the wedding dinner.”

noun + of + noun

Word family

NOUN

bride(B1)

ADJECTIVE

Idioms

01. December bride

02. war bride

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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