Groom
/ɡruːm/
Definitions
2 meaningsA man who is getting married; the bridegroom.
/ɡruːm/
A man on his wedding day.
The groom waited patiently at the altar.
💡 Simply: The groom is the guy who's getting married – like, the main dude at the wedding! It's his big day, too. Like, the groom's really excited to marry his bride.
👶 For kids: The groom is the boy who's getting married!
More Examples
The bride and groom cut the wedding cake together.
She helped the groom with his tie.
How It's Used
"The groom looked nervous as he waited at the altar."
"The bride and groom shared their first dance."
To prepare someone or something for a specific purpose or situation, often involving cleaning, arranging, or training. Also, in a negative context, to gain the trust of someone, especially a child, in order to exploit them.
/ɡruːm/
To prepare or make someone or something ready for a particular purpose.
The vet groomed the dog.
💡 Simply: Grooming is like getting ready! You groom a horse by brushing it to get it ready for riding, or you groom yourself by getting your hair and clothes just right. It's all about making something look and feel its best! Sometimes, grooming means preparing someone for something else, too.
👶 For kids: Grooming is making something or someone neat and clean, like brushing a dog's hair. Sometimes, it's getting someone ready for something special, like training.
More Examples
The company is grooming promising young leaders.
He spent an hour grooming his beard.
The abuser used the internet to groom vulnerable children.
How It's Used
"She groomed the horse before the race."
"He spent hours grooming himself before the date."
"The company is grooming its employees for leadership roles."
"The predator groomed the child online before meeting them."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
groom for greatness
To prepare or train someone to achieve a high level of success.
"The school strives to groom its students for greatness."
groom someone's hair
To comb or brush someones hair to keep it neat and tidy.
"The stylist groomed her hair before the photoshoot."
From Middle English *grom*, *grome*, from Old English *gruma* ('boy, servant, young man'). The verb sense, likely developed from the caretaking of horses.
Historically used to refer to a servant or attendant, especially of horses or stables. The modern verb sense evolved from this.
Memory tip
Think of the *groom* as the partner in a marriage ceremony, the one ready to say 'I do'.
Word Origin
"boy, servant, young man"