damsel

noun

dam·​sel ˈdam-zəl 

variants or less commonly damosel or damozel

ˈda-mə-ˌzel 

: a young woman:

a

archaic : a young unmarried woman of noble birth

b

: girl

Synonyms of damsel

• girl
• maiden
• maid

Examples of damsel in a Sentence

knights are celebrated in fairy tales for rescuing damsels in distress

Recent Examples on the Web

After two seasons of Peter chasing around Rose Larkin, Isabel proves to be more than a distressed damsel, solidifying journalism’s crucial place in holding power accountable and aiding governmental investigations at large. —Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 19 Feb. 2026

But the damsel isn’t in distress, the monster isn’t so bad, and some raunchy jokes may go over kids’ heads (but will likely delight parents). —Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025

In the Terminator films, Hamilton played heroine Sarah Connor, a damsel in distress who becomes a hard-ass warrior. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025

Infiniti’s portrayal of Willa has drawn praise for subverting the trope of the damsel in distress, instead becoming her very own heroine in the tale. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English damesel, from Anglo-French dameisele, from Vulgar Latin *domnicella young noblewoman, diminutive of Latin domina lady

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

damsel

noun

dam·​sel ˈdam-zəl 

variants also damosel or damozel

ˈdam-ə-ˌzel

: girl sense 1b, maiden

Etymology

Middle English damesel "damsel," from early French dameisele (same meaning), from Latin domina "lady, mistress" — related to dame