noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

groom

GROOM

Groom (noun) means a man on his wedding day, or about to be married. Example: “The groom looked nervous as he waited at the altar.”

noun

A man on his wedding day, or about to be married.

"The groom looked nervous as he waited at the altar."

A person whose job is to care for horses.

"The groom brushed down the horses after the race."

verb

To care for someone's or an animal's appearance by cleaning and brushing.

"She grooms her dog every weekend."

"He always grooms himself carefully before an interview."

To prepare someone gradually for a role, position, or event.

"The company has been grooming her for a leadership role."

To manipulate a child or vulnerable person over time in order to exploit them, especially sexually.

"The charges alleged that he had been grooming the teenager online for months."

How to Use Groom

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: a man about to marry, someone who cares for horses, or (as a verb) to prepare someone/something carefully, sometimes with sinister intent toward a vulnerable person.

Common mistake

The grooming (in the criminal sense) is a serious, specific term for predatory manipulation — don't use it casually for ordinary mentoring or coaching.

Common pairings

groom for office bride and groom well-groomed

Word Forms

groomed past tense, grooms plural, grooms plural, Grooms plural, grooms singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ looked nervous as he waited at the altar.

Etymology

Short for "bridegroom," from Old English brydguma ("bride" + "man"); the spelling was later reshaped by association with "groom" meaning a servant who tends horses.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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bridegroom stable hand

Related Words

bridegroom

Rhymes for groom

oom boom room zoom doom loom broom bloom gloom vroom kaboom bedroom

See all rhymes for groom →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “groom” mean?

The word “groom” means a man on his wedding day, or about to be married. In plain terms, depending on context: a man about to marry, someone who cares for horses, or (as a verb) to prepare someone/something carefully, sometimes with sinister intent toward a vulnerable person.

How do you pronounce “groom”?

“Groom” is pronounced GROOM (/ˈɡɹʉm/ in IPA).

How do you use “groom” in a sentence?

Here is “groom” used in a sentence: “The groom looked nervous as he waited at the altar.”

What part of speech is “groom”?

Depending on how it is used, “groom” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “groom” come from?

The word “groom” comes from Old English. Short for "bridegroom," from Old English brydguma ("bride" + "man"); the spelling was later reshaped by association with "groom" meaning a servant who tends horses.

Is “groom” a common word?

“Groom” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “groom” have?

“Groom” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a man on his wedding day, or about to be married.

What is the difference between a "groom" and a "bridegroom"?

"Groom" and "bridegroom" both refer to a man on his wedding day or about to be married, and the two terms are essentially interchangeable. "Bridegroom" is the older, more formal form, while "groom" is the shortened version used more commonly today.

What does it mean to "groom" someone for a job or role?

In this sense, "groom" means to prepare someone gradually for a position, such as "grooming an employee for a leadership role." This usage is neutral and positive, focused on training and readiness rather than physical care or manipulation.

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