girl

UK: ɡɜːl | US: ɡɜrl

Definition

  1. n. a female child or young woman

  2. n. (informal) a woman of any age (e.g., "the girls at work")

  3. n. (dated) a sweetheart or girlfriend

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "girl" originates from Middle English gurle or gerle, meaning a child of either sex. Its earlier roots are uncertain but may derive from Old English gyrela (garment) or Proto-Germanic gurwīlǭ (young person). By the 14th century, it narrowed to specifically denote a female child. The evolution reflects societal shifts in labeling youth and gender roles.

Examples

  1. The little girl picked flowers in the garden.

  2. She’s the smartest girl in our class.

  3. We’re meeting the girls for coffee this weekend.

  4. (Archaic) He brought his girl to the village dance.

  5. The team hired three new girls for the project.