What does mermaid mean?
A mermaid is a mythical female creature associated with the sea, commonly portrayed as a beautiful woman with a fish's tail. In traditional stories, mermaids may tempt sailors, provide warnings, or live in an underwater world of their own; modern fiction often presents them as sympathetic or tragic characters. The word is especially familiar from children's stories, fantasy literature, animation, and other forms of popular culture. Although “merwoman” can function as a synonym, “mermaid” is the established everyday term, while “siren” has a narrower mythological meaning and may imply danger. The figure remains memorable partly because she combines the beauty and vulnerability associated with the human world with the mystery and vastness of the sea.
nounA mythical female creature who lives in the sea, typically depicted with a human upper body and a fish's tail. The word is also common in modern folklore, fantasy, and popular culture.
- A mythical female sea creature, usually represented as beautiful and having the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a fish.
"The sailors followed the song of a mermaid beyond the mist."
"A mermaid rose from the waves and beckoned the sailors closer."
"The novel describes a shy mermaid who lives beneath the ocean."
The regular plural is used for multiple mermaids.
"Stories of mermaids have circulated for centuries."
From the sea and a maid to one of fantasy's most enduring figures: the mermaid has fascinated storytellers for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mermaid come from?
The word developed in Middle English as a compound of mer(e), meaning “sea,” and maid, meaning “young woman” or “female servant.” The compound referred to a female sea creature and was influenced by older traditions of marine beings. Its modern literary image was shaped by folklore and later fairy tales, including Hans Christian Andersen's nineteenth-century story “The Little Mermaid.” Related forms such as merman and merwoman use the same general compound idea.
How mermaid is actually used
The word is most familiar from folklore, fairy tales, and fantasy. Merwoman is more literary, while siren carries stronger associations with enchantment and danger.
Easily confused with mermaid
A siren is a dangerous or enchanting creature in Greek mythology, whereas a mermaid is a female sea spirit or fish-tailed creature appearing especially in folklore and modern fantasy.
A merman is the traditionally male counterpart of a mermaid, though the term is now relatively uncommon.