maidenly

[ meyd-n-lee ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, characteristic of, or befitting a maiden:

   a maidenly blush.

maidenly

/ ˈmeɪdənlɪ /

adjective

1. of or befitting a maiden

Derived Forms

• ˈmaidenliness, noun

Other Words From

• maiden·li·ness noun
• un·maiden·li·ness noun
• un·maiden·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maidenly¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; maiden, -ly

Example Sentences

“I’ll try, but it was a very ungentlemanly thing to do, I didn’t think you could be so sly and malicious, Laurie,” replied Meg, trying to hide her maidenly confusion under a gravely reproachful air.

From Literature

And it's adapted with a heightened, soap opera-y sense of dramatic irony conveyed through longing glances, annoyed walking, and maidenly sighing.

From Salon

In defiance of maidenly decorum and racial taboos, she asks Jack in for tea.

From New York Times

Last year’s sleeper trend with its treacly allusions to butter churns, quilting bees and starchily kitted-out sister wives, has given way to something less like a costume, less aggressively maidenly.

From Seattle Times

To him Sara White exuded “an intense something concealed by an air of supreme innocence and maidenly reserve.”

From Literature

Related Words

• clean
• decent
• fresh
• good
• honest
• true