bridesmaid

noun

brides·​maid ˈbrīdz-ˌmād 

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

Obviously the bride and bridesmaids will wear wedding finery. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Kelce and Swift did not have traditional bridesmaids or groomsmen. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

When Kate Middleton married Prince William in 2011, her little sister served as maid of honor, dutiful carrying her epic train and instantly becoming one of the most famous bridesmaids of all time. — Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026

Instead of bouquets, Garcia’s bridesmaids carried puppies from KC Pet Project, McCleery remembered. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bridesmaid

• accolade
• ambuscade
• antegrade
• balustrade
• barricade
• cannonade
• cavalcade
• centigrade
• chambermaid
• colonnade
• countertrade
• disobeyed

Kids Definition

bridesmaid

noun

brides·​maid ˈbrīdz-ˌmād 

: a woman who attends a bride at her wedding