# bride

/ˈbɹaɪd/ (US) · /bɹˈaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bride
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. at a wedding

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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'.

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.

### 2. lacework

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The bride wears a beautiful white dress.
- The bride and her father waited at the entrance of the church for the music to start.
- Tradition often dictates that the bride remains hidden from the groom until the ceremony begins to ensure good luck for the marriage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.