Cinderella

Cin-der-el-la · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The heroine of a traditional fairy tale who is mistreated by her stepfamily but eventually marries a prince.

  2. 2.

    (By extension) A person or thing that is undeservedly neglected or ignored.

  3. 3.

    (Attributive) Denoting an unexpectedly successful person or team.

Forms

plural: Cinderellas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Cinderella story — An unlikely success story.
  • •
    Cinderella complex — A fear of independence in women.

Related words

See also: fairy tale, princess, rags-to-riches

Etymology

From French Cendrillon, from cendre ("cinders, ashes"), with diminutive suffix. Refers to the character who sits among the cinders. The English name combines "cinder" + the diminutive suffix "-ella."