What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mermaid
Example
The mermaid swam gracefully through the ocean. [mermaid: noun]
Example
Ariel from The Little Mermaid is a famous mermaid character. [mermaid: adjective]
siren
Example
The sailors were lured by the siren's enchanting song. [siren: noun]
Example
The police car's siren blared loudly as it raced down the street. [siren: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mermaid is more commonly used in literature and media, while siren is more commonly used in everyday language to describe warning signals or alluring women.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mermaid and siren?
Both mermaid and siren are relatively informal words, but siren can be used in a more formal context when referring to warning signals or alarms.
