maiden

maid-en · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (archaic or literary) An unmarried girl or young woman; a virgin.

  2. 2.

    (adjective) Being or involving the first attempt or act of its kind.

  3. 3.

    (adjective) Of or relating to an unmarried woman.

Forms

plural: maidens

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    maiden name — A woman's surname before marriage.
  • •
    maiden voyage — The first journey of a ship or aircraft.
  • •
    maiden speech — A politician's first speech in a legislative assembly.

Related words

See also: girl, maid, virgin
Synonyms: girl, virgin, young woman

Etymology

From Old English mægden ("virgin, maiden, girl"), diminutive of mægþ ("maiden, girl, woman").