What does "maiden" mean?

1. (young woman) a young woman who is not married. 2. (the first time) the very first time that something, like a ship or a plane, makes a journey. 3. (cricket) a part of a cricket game where the batter does not score any runs. 4. (horse racing) a horse that has never won a race. 5. (the constellation Virgo) another name for the star sign or constellation called Virgo.

How do you use "maiden"?

Usually found in poetry, folk tales, or historical fiction rather than modern conversation. Commonly collocates with 'voyage', 'flight', or 'speech'. Used as a countable noun in the context of cricket matches.

maiden

n. · adj.

US //ˈmeɪdən// UK //mˈeɪdən// maid·en

1 young woman (n.)
C1 Advanced Literary

a young woman who is not married.

a girl or young woman, typically unmarried. Often used in a romantic or historical context.

Example

The old stories often tell of a brave knight saving a maiden in trouble.

Example

The poet depicted the maiden wandering through the garden, using her youth and innocence as a metaphor for the coming spring.

Usage

Usually found in poetry, folk tales, or historical fiction rather than modern conversation.
2 the first time (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the very first time that something, like a ship or a plane, makes a journey.

denoting the first occurrence or event of its kind, particularly regarding a vessel's first voyage or a politician's first speech.

Example

The huge ship sank on its maiden voyage across the ocean.

Example

The senator's maiden speech in the chamber was met with unexpected applause from both sides of the aisle.

Usage

Commonly collocates with 'voyage', 'flight', or 'speech'.
- final
- last

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3 cricket (n.)
C2 Proficiency British English Sport

a part of a cricket game where the batter does not score any runs.

an over in which no runs are scored off the bat. Shortened form of 'maiden over'.

Example

The bowler was very happy after throwing a maiden in the final minutes.

Example

He managed to bowl three consecutive maidens, putting immense pressure on the opening batsmen during the morning session.

Usage

Used as a countable noun in the context of cricket matches.
4 horse racing (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Sport

a horse that has never won a race.

a racehorse that has not yet won a race; also refers to a race specifically for such horses.

Example

The trainer believes this maiden has a good chance of winning today.

Example

The afternoon schedule features a six-furlong sprint for maidens, attracting several promising two-year-olds from the local stables.
- winner
5 the constellation Virgo (n.)
C2 Proficiency Literary Science

another name for the star sign or constellation called Virgo.

a personification or name for the constellation and zodiacal sign Virgo.

Example

In the night sky, the Maiden is one of the largest constellations.

Example

Ancient astronomers often associated the Maiden with the goddess of justice, depicting her holding a sheaf of wheat.
- virgo

Origin

From Middle English mayden, meiden, from Old English mæġden (“girl”), originally a diminutive of mæġeþ (“girl”) via diminutive suffix -en, from Proto-West Germanic magaþ, from Proto-Germanic magaþs. Equivalent to maid + -en.

Idioms2 entries