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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Duties of a Bridesmaid The main role of a bridesmaid is to be present throughout the wedding weekend, follow the attire guidelines asked of the wedding party, and be a support to the bride leading up to the big day. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026 The couple, who are both instructors at Skydive Seneca Lake, made the jump in upstate New York with their officiant, best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids and groomsmen, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Eliza memorably made a public appearance serving as a bridesmaid during Kate Middleton and Prince William’s 2011 wedding. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 17 Aug. 2026 Mike Missroon and Megan Walsh jumped 14,000 feet from an aircraft and fell at 120 mph at the start of their nuptials on July 26, joined by their officiant, best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids and groomsmen. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for bridesmaid

See All Rhymes for bridesmaid

Browse Nearby Words

bride service
bridesmaid
bridesman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bridesmaid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bridesmaid. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bridesmaid

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