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
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Preston played one of the Newhouse twins (alongside Rachel Griffiths) who serve as bridesmaids for Cameron Diaz’s Kimmy. Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 The Hansens’ four daughters, Lola, Bella, Lena and Svea, were bridesmaids. Alex Haddon, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025 Screaming and shrieking, the drama between the bridesmaids is thick. Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2025 Quill Pen Taylor mostly sits out the album, playing the role of the silently supportive bridesmaid, lettering the invitations alone by candlelight. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bridesmaid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bridesmaid. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

bridesmaid

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bridesmaid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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