bridesmaid

[ brahydz-meyd ]

noun

1. a young woman who attends the bride at a wedding ceremony.
2. Informal. a person, group, etc., that is in a secondary position, never quite attains a goal, etc.:

   Bridesmaids for 12 seasons, the Eagles finally won the championship.

bridesmaid

/ ˈbraɪdzˌmeɪd /

noun

1. a girl or young unmarried woman who attends a bride at her wedding Compare matron of honour maid of honour

Word History and Origins

Origin of bridesmaid¹

First recorded in 1545–55; bride ¹ + 's ¹ + maid

Example Sentences

The trio share a strong bond - Steadman and Claire Cashmore were schoolmates in Devon, while the Tokyo gold medallist was Norman's bridesmaid when she got married.

From BBC

Norman, 26, and Steadman are close friends - to the extent Steadman was a bridesmaid at Norman's wedding – and it is not a friendship which is put on hold even in the build-up to a Paralympics.

From BBC

The celebration was measured for a reason: Despite years of playing the bridesmaid, the outcome was less a surprise to Benjamin than a confirmation of the belief he’d protected for years.

From Los Angeles Times

"This outfit I bought for £10," he says, pointing towards a pale blue bridesmaid dress.

From BBC

Behind me came Louise as bridesmaid, completing our party.

From Literature