bridesmaid
UK: ˈbraɪdzmeɪd | US: ˈbraɪdzmeɪd
n. a woman who attends the bride during a wedding ceremony, typically as part of the bridal party.
The word "bridesmaid" combines "bride" (Old English bryd, meaning "woman about to marry") with "maid" (Old English mægden, meaning "young woman"). The "-s-" acts as a possessive or linking element, indicating the maid's role in service to the bride. Historically, bridesmaids were unmarried young women who assisted the bride, symbolizing purity and support. The term reflects the social tradition of female attendants in weddings, dating back to medieval European customs.
She asked her sister to be the chief bridesmaid at her wedding.
The bridesmaids wore matching lavender dresses.
As a bridesmaid, her duties included organizing the bridal shower.
The bride and her bridesmaid posed for photos before the ceremony.
Traditionally, bridesmaids walk down the aisle ahead of the bride.