bridesmaid

noun

brides·​maid ˈbrīdz-ˌmād How to pronounce bridesmaid (audio)
1
: a woman who is an attendant of a bride
2
: one that finishes just behind the winner

Examples of bridesmaid in a Sentence

I was a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Topline Billionaire Taylor Swift’s wedding to her NFL star fiancé Travis Kelce is rumored to be a massive New York City affair over Fourth of July weekend—and betting markets are alight with predictions of who will attend and who will support the famous couple as bridesmaids and groomsmen. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 If Nicks isn’t a bridesmaid, then save her a seat near Andrea Swift, as befits the spiritual mother of the bride. Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026 At the ceremony in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Swift wore a burgundy dress as one of Anderson's bridesmaids. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026 Of course someone who works as a bridesmaid for hire would go for a fake-dating ploy! Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bridesmaid

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bridesmaid was in 1657

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Cite this Entry

“Bridesmaid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bridesmaid. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

bridesmaid

noun
brides·​maid ˈbrīdz-ˌmād How to pronounce bridesmaid (audio)
: a woman who attends a bride at her wedding

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