What does bridesmaid mean?
A bridesmaid is a female attendant chosen by a bride to support and accompany her before and during a wedding ceremony. Typically a close friend, sister, or relative, the bridesmaid traditionally helps with wedding preparations, participates in pre-wedding events such as bridal showers, walks in the wedding procession, and stands beside the bride during the vows. In American weddings, the principal bridesmaid is called the maid of honour if unmarried, or matron of honour if married; in British usage, the equivalent role is the chief bridesmaid. The word combines 'bride', from Old English 'brȳd', with 'maid', meaning an unmarried young woman. Bridesmaids carry warm, celebratory connotations, symbolising friendship, loyalty, and community support at a significant life event. The custom itself has ancient roots: Roman law once required ten witnesses at a wedding, and the tradition of surrounding the couple with companions was believed — in some folk beliefs — to confuse evil spirits who might otherwise target the bride.
nounA girl or woman who attends a bride at her wedding, typically a close friend or relative, often assisting her before and during the ceremony.
- A female attendant to a bride at a wedding ceremony.
"Her sister served as bridesmaid at the wedding, holding the bouquet during the vows."
"She asked her closest friend from college to be her bridesmaid."
"All six bridesmaids wore matching lavender dresses at the ceremony."
Regular plural formation. Often used collectively when referring to the full group of attendants.
"The bride chose three of her cousins as bridesmaids."
In Victorian England, bridesmaids wore dresses nearly identical to the bride's — partly to confuse evil spirits who might want to snatch the real bride!
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bridesmaid
The word 'bridesmaid' is formed from 'bride', derived from Old English 'brȳd', combined with 'maid', from Middle English 'mayde', meaning an unmarried young woman or virgin. The compound arose in English, with attestations dating back to at least the early modern period. Related terms include 'bridesman' (a male equivalent, now rare) and 'bridal', all sharing the same Germanic root for bride.
How bridesmaid is actually used
The term is standard in both British and American English. In British usage, 'chief bridesmaid' refers to the principal attendant (equivalent to the American 'maid of honour'). A married bridesmaid may be called a 'matron of honour' in American English. The word carries warm, celebratory connotations.
Easily confused with bridesmaid
The maid of honour is the chief or senior bridesmaid with special duties, while other bridesmaids are general attendants.
A groomsman is the male equivalent, attending the groom rather than the bride.