Maiden
'meɪdn̩
Definitions
2 meaningsA girl or young woman, especially one who is unmarried or a virgin.
'meɪdn̩
A young unmarried woman or girl.
The prince sought the hand of the beautiful maiden in marriage.
💡 Simply: A maiden is like a young woman, usually not married yet. Think of Snow White or Cinderella—they were maidens. It's a little bit old-fashioned now, but you still see it in books and movies.
👶 For kids: A maiden is a girl or a young woman. Sometimes they are princesses!
More Examples
The historical novel told the story of a young maiden who bravely faced adversity.
She dreamt of being the maiden on the cover of her favorite romance novel.
How It's Used
"The maiden, fair of face and pure of heart, caught the eye of the young knight."
"In medieval times, maidens often played significant roles in courtly life."
Unmarried; virgin (archaic) OR being the first of a kind.
'meɪdn̩
Relating to a maiden or a young woman.
The ship's maiden voyage ended tragically.
💡 Simply: When we say something is maiden, it often means it's the first one ever. Like a maiden voyage for a ship - its first ever trip! or when a player scores her maiden goal, it means it's her first goal of a sport.
👶 For kids: Maiden can also mean it's the first time something happens, like the maiden trip of a ship, which is its first trip ever!
More Examples
The company's maiden presentation was a success.
She celebrated her maiden solo flight.
It was her maiden win at Wimbledon
How It's Used
"The maiden voyage of the Titanic was a disaster."
"She scored her maiden goal during the championship game."
Idioms & expressions
Maiden voyage
A ship's or aircraft's first journey or flight. Also used figuratively to describe the first time something happens.
"The Titanic's maiden voyage was disastrous."
Maiden name
A woman's surname before she gets married.
"She used her maiden name when writing her book."
From Old English *mægden* (meaning 'young woman, girl'), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *magadinō*. Related to words for 'maid' and 'virgin'.
The word 'maiden' has been used since Old English, primarily in reference to young women. The adjective form, referring to a first experience, developed later.
Memory tip
Think of a fair-haired maiden in a fairy tale—pure and young.
Word Origin
"young woman, girl"