Mermaid
/ˈmɜːrmeɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsA mythical aquatic creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish.
/ˈmɜːrmeɪd/
A mythical aquatic creature with the head and upper body of a female human and the tail of a fish.
The children were fascinated by the mermaid painted on the mural.
💡 Simply: Imagine a beautiful lady who lives in the sea, but instead of legs, she has a fish tail! She's called a mermaid. They often sing and are super mysterious. Think of Ariel from 'The Little Mermaid'.
👶 For kids: A mermaid is a magical creature that lives in the sea! She has the top of a girl and the bottom of a fish.
More Examples
Legends speak of mermaids luring sailors with their beautiful songs.
The sculpture in the fountain depicted a graceful mermaid.
How It's Used
"Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Little Mermaid' is a famous fairy tale featuring mermaids."
"Mermaids are often depicted in folklore and mythology as beautiful and alluring creatures."
"The artist painted a stunning image of a mermaid on the rocks."
Resembling or related to a mermaid, or possessing characteristics associated with mermaids.
/ˈmɜːrmeɪd/
Relating to or resembling a mermaid.
The flowing, mermaid-like gown shimmered in the moonlight.
💡 Simply: If something's mermaid-like, it looks or acts like a mermaid! Like a dress that flows like water or has scales, or maybe even a person who loves the ocean. Like the fishtail look.
👶 For kids: Something that looks like a mermaid is mermaid-like!
More Examples
Her long hair cascaded around her shoulders in a mermaid-like fashion.
The coral reef glowed, filled with mermaid-like statues
How It's Used
"The mermaid-like design of the sculpture was very beautiful."
"She wore a mermaid-like dress to the ball."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Middle English *mere* (sea) + *maid* (woman), reflecting a mythical creature of the sea.
Mermaids have appeared in various forms in myths and legends across cultures for centuries, dating back to ancient Assyria and Babylon.
Memory tip
Think of the 'sea maid' combining human and fish elements.
Word Origin
"Sea maid"