maid of honor

noun phrase

1

: an unmarried lady usually of noble birth whose duty it is to attend a queen or a princess

2

: a bride's principal unmarried wedding attendant compare matron of honor

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of maid of honor was circa 1595

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Maid of honor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maid%20of%20honor. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

maid of honor

1

: an unmarried woman usually of noble birth who attends a queen or princess

2

: a bride's principal unmarried wedding attendant

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