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

old maid, maiden voyage, maiden aunt

maiden name, maiden speech, maiden over

Formal and Informal Expressions of maiden

In different contexts, you can replace 'maiden' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'unmarried woman' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'girl, young woman' is a commonplace synonym.

maiden: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

miss
virgin
girl
lass
young woman

Antonyms for maiden

widow
married woman

Idioms Using maiden

old maid
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.
maiden voyage
the first voyage of a ship
Example
The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
maiden aunt
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

maiden name
a woman's family name before she gets married
Example
Her maiden name was Smith.
maiden speech
the first speech made by a newly elected member of parliament
Example
The MP delivered her maiden speech to the House of Commons.
maiden over
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.