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

The queen of maximalist beauty also once again demonstrated her expertise in the makeup and hair space by playing with her copper-red locks, debuting curly bangs and mermaid braids among her soft waves. —Pamela Vázquez, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2026

Stunt swimmer Newt Perry develops Weeki Wachee Springs and its mermaid show. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026

Both Sweeney and Martin fittingly posed for photos inside the ring, with one shot depicting the actress in a plunging, corseted metallic dress featuring a subtle mermaid skirt. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026

During those early days, swimmers entertained patrons, before being replaced by mermaids with shiny tails. —Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 28 Jan. 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"