Word
damsel
US/ˈdæmzəɫ/
UK/dˈæmsəl/
Definitions
01a young woman
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary · Archaic
n. a young woman who is not married, especially in old stories.
n. a young, unmarried woman, often implying noble status or youth and innocence.
“The old story tells of a brave knight who saves a damsel from a tower.”
“The poet employed the term 'damsel' to evoke a sense of medieval chivalry, though the word felt out of place in his modern setting.”
Usage
Commonly found in the fixed phrase 'damsel in distress'.
Teaching tip
This word is almost never used in modern conversation except when being humorous or referring to fairy tales; using it for a modern woman may sound strange or patronising.
02a mill component
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. a small part in a grain mill that makes a clicking sound.
n. a device in a grain mill that strikes the hopper to keep the grain moving.
“The steady clicking of the damsel meant the mill was working correctly.”
“The miller adjusted the damsel to ensure a consistent flow of grain into the stones during the morning grind.”
Usage
Used specifically in the context of traditional milling machinery.
Etymology
From Middle English dameisele, from Old French damoisele, from Vulgar Latin domnicella, a diminutive from Classical Latin domina (“mistress, lady”), from dominus, from demh₂-. Doublet of demoiselle, doncella, and donzella.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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