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 bridesmaids are expected to wear a ghastly purple leopard-print jumpsuit.

From Los Angeles Times

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

“We were both bridesmaids,” said Zelem, the former captain at Manchester United.

From Los Angeles Times

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

The couple are due to get married in May next year with the entire quad set to be bridesmaids.

From BBC