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maiden

[ˈmeɪdn]

maiden Definition

  • 1a girl or young woman, especially an unmarried one
  • 2an unmarried woman who is beyond the usual age for marriage
  • 3the first or earliest of its kind

Using maiden: Examples

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

  • Example

    She was a fair maiden with long golden hair.

  • Example

    The old maiden lived alone in the cottage.

  • Example

    This is the maiden voyage of the new ship.

  • Example

    The maiden edition of the book sold out quickly.

maiden Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for maiden

Antonyms for maiden

Idioms Using maiden

  • an unmarried woman, typically an older woman who is considered unlikely to marry

    Example

    She was afraid of becoming an old maid and never finding a husband.

  • the first voyage of a ship

    Example

    The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.

  • an unmarried aunt, typically an older woman who is considered unlikely to marry

    Example

    My maiden aunt always sends me a birthday card.

Phrases with maiden

  • a woman's family name before she gets married

    Example

    Her maiden name was Smith.

  • the first speech made by a newly elected member of parliament

    Example

    The MP delivered her maiden speech to the House of Commons.

  • a cricket term referring to an over in which no runs are scored and no wickets are taken

    Example

    The bowler delivered a maiden over to start the match.

Origins of maiden

from Old English 'mægden', meaning 'virgin, unmarried woman'

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Summary: maiden in Brief

The term 'maiden' [ˈmeɪdn] refers to a girl or young woman, especially an unmarried one. It can also refer to an unmarried woman who is beyond the usual age for marriage. Additionally, it can mean the first or earliest of its kind, as in 'This is the maiden voyage of the new ship.' 'Maiden' extends into phrases like 'maiden name,' and idioms like 'old maid,' denoting an unmarried woman, and 'maiden voyage,' referring to the first voyage of a ship.

How do native speakers use this expression?