maiden
4 synonyms and 1 antonyms for maiden, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Describing the first occurrence of something, such as a journey, speech, or attempt.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use maiden
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English maegden, "girl", ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "girl" or "virgin".
Full origin of maiden →Frequently asked questions
What does “maiden” mean?
The word “maiden” means describing the first occurrence of something, such as a journey, speech, or attempt. In plain terms, most often used today for a "first" of something (maiden voyage, maiden speech); as a noun for a young woman it now sounds old-fashioned or poetic.
How do you pronounce “maiden”?
“Maiden” is pronounced MAY-duhn (/ˈmeɪdən/ in IPA).
How do you use “maiden” in a sentence?
Here is “maiden” used in a sentence: “The ship set out on its maiden voyage to great fanfare.”
What is another word for “maiden”?
Words with a similar meaning to “maiden” include maidenly.
What is the opposite of “maiden”?
The opposite of “maiden” — its antonyms — is Master.
What part of speech is “maiden”?
Depending on how it is used, “maiden” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “maiden” come from?
The word “maiden” comes from Old English. From Old English maegden, "girl", ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "girl" or "virgin".
Is “maiden” a common word?
“Maiden” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does maiden mean when describing a first event, like a maiden voyage?
When used this way, maiden describes the first occurrence of something, such as a journey, speech, or attempt. A 'maiden voyage' is a ship's first official trip, and a 'maiden speech' is someone's first speech in a new role.
What is the difference between maiden and maid?
Maid usually refers to a woman employed for domestic work or, in older usage, a young unmarried woman, while maiden functions mainly as an adjective describing a first occurrence, or as an old-fashioned noun for a young unmarried woman. Their overlapping older sense means both can refer to an unmarried young woman, but maiden is more commonly used today as a descriptive adjective.
Is maiden still used to mean an unmarried woman in modern English?
No, using maiden as a noun for an unmarried woman is now considered old-fashioned or literary rather than everyday modern usage. It survives mainly in phrases like 'maiden name,' referring to a woman's surname before marriage.