nubile
UK: ˈnjuːbaɪl | US: ˈnuːbaɪl
adj. (of a young woman) suitable for marriage, especially in being physically mature or attractive.
nubile = nub<marriage> + ile<adjective suffix>
- nub (from Latin nūbere, "to marry," specifically used for women)
- ile (Latin-derived suffix indicating capability or suitability)
Etymology Origin:
The word nubile traces back to Latin nūbilis, meaning "marriageable," derived from nūbere ("to marry"). Historically, it emphasized a woman’s readiness for marriage, often tied to physical maturity. The root nub- also appears in connubial (relating to marriage). Over time, nubile retained its focus on youthful attractiveness but lost some of its strict marital connotations in modern usage.
The novel describes the protagonist as a nubile young woman pursued by many suitors.
In some cultures, nubile girls participate in coming-of-age ceremonies.
The film’s portrayal of nubile characters sparked debates about gender stereotypes.
She transitioned from a playful child to a nubile adult in just a few years.
Anthropologists study how societies define nubile status across history.