Word
bridesmaid
Phoneticsbrides·maid, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɹaɪdzˌmeɪd/
UK/bɹˈaɪdsmeɪd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a woman or girl who helps the bride during a wedding. You usually choose your close friends or sisters for this role.
n. a female attendant who assists the bride during a wedding ceremony. Often used metaphorically in the phrase 'always a bridesmaid, never a bride' to describe someone who never achieves top success.
Examples
“My sister asked me to be her bridesmaid next summer.”
“The bridesmaids wore matching silk dresses and carried small bouquets as they walked down the aisle.”
“While the maid of honour handles most of the logistical planning, each bridesmaid is expected to provide emotional support and assist with the ceremony's choreography.”
Examples
simple
“My sister asked me to be her bridesmaid next summer.”
contextual
“The bridesmaids wore matching silk dresses and carried small bouquets as they walked down the aisle.”
complex
“While the maid of honour handles most of the logistical planning, each bridesmaid is expected to provide emotional support and assist with the ceremony's choreography.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural when referring to the entire group of attendants.
Etymology
From bride + -s- + maid. In the sports and entertainment sense: in reference to the saying always a bridesmaid, never a bride.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/bridesmaid