a female servant, especially one who is employed in a large household, a young unmarried woman

old maid, maid of honor, scullery maid

Formal and Informal Expressions of maids

In different contexts, you can replace 'maids' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'female servant' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'cleaning lady, housekeeper' is a commonplace synonym.

maids: Explore its Definition & Usage

maids Definition

1a female servant, especially one who is employed in a large household
2a young unmarried woman

Using maids: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "maids" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The maids were busy cleaning the house.
Example
She worked as a maid in a hotel.
Example
The young maid was very pretty.
Example
The maids of honor helped the bride get ready for the wedding.

maids Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for maids

Phrases with maids

old maid
an unmarried woman, typically an older woman regarded as unlikely to marry
Example
She was worried about becoming an old maid and never finding a husband.
maid of honor
the chief bridesmaid at a wedding
Example
Her sister was her maid of honor at the wedding.
scullery maid
a servant who does menial kitchen work such as washing dishes
Example
The scullery maid was responsible for cleaning all the pots and pans.

Origins of maids

from Middle English 'maide', meaning 'unmarried woman'

📌

Summary: maids in Brief

The term 'maids' [meɪdz] refers to female servants, particularly those employed in large households. It can also refer to young unmarried women. Examples include 'The maids were busy cleaning the house.' and 'She worked as a maid in a hotel.' Phrases include 'old maid,' referring to an unmarried older woman, and 'maid of honor,' the chief bridesmaid at a wedding.