# maiden

/ˈmeɪdən/ (US) · /mˈeɪdən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maiden
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. young woman

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a young woman who is not married.

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

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

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. cricket

noun · CEFR C2 · British English

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

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

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a horse that has never won a race.

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

- The trainer believes this maiden has a good chance of winning today.
- The afternoon schedule features a six-furlong sprint for maidens, attracting several promising two-year-olds from the local stables.

### 5. the constellation Virgo

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

another name for the star sign or constellation called Virgo.

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

- In the night sky, the Maiden is one of the largest constellations.
- Ancient astronomers often associated the Maiden with the goddess of justice, depicting her holding a sheaf of wheat.

## Examples

- The story tells of a brave maiden living in a castle.
- In many traditional folk tales, a young maiden must complete a series of impossible tasks to win her freedom.
- The poet employs the image of a maiden to symbolise purity and the untapped potential of youth, contrasting her innocence with the weary experience of the older characters.

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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.