mermaid
|mer-maid|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈmɜrˌmeɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˈmɜː.meɪd/
mythical sea creature
Etymology
Etymology Information
'mermaid' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'mermayde,' where 'mer-' meant 'sea' and 'maid' meant 'young woman.'
Historical Evolution
'mermayde' transformed into the modern English word 'mermaid' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a sea maiden,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a mythical sea creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish.
The sailor claimed to have seen a mermaid near the rocky shore.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45