mermaid

noun

mer·​maid ˈmər-ˌmād 

: a fabled marine creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish

Examples of mermaid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He was known for his sense of whimsy, childlike wonder, and a love of the natural world—many of his preferred designs were based on flora and fauna and yielded fantastical images like mermaids, butterflies, and much more. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

In a photo from the ceremony shared by a Jenner fan account, the reality star seemingly showed off a hint of the archival mermaid-style gown, which is from the Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2004 collection. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026

The mermaid headboard was also created by Friday, who strung the fish-string lights too. — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 19 Sep. 2026

The gown was a mermaid style, meaning the skirt flared out, creating a mermaid tail look. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mermayde, from mere sea (from Old English) + mayde maid — more at marine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mermaid

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

mermaid

noun

mer·​maid ˈmər-ˌmād 

: an imaginary sea creature usually represented with a woman's body and a fish's tail

Etymology

Middle English mermayde "mermaid," from mere "lake, pool, sea" and mayde "maid"