mermaid

mer-maid · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A mythical sea creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish.

  2. 2.

    An expert female swimmer.

Forms

plural: mermaids

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    mermaid tail — the fish-like lower body of a mermaid; also a costume or blanket designed to look like one
  • •
    mermaid swimming — swimming while wearing a mermaid tail fin

Related words

See also: folklore, merman, mythology, siren
Synonyms: sea nymph, siren, water sprite

Etymology

From Middle English, combining mere ("sea, lake") from Old English, and maid ("young woman"). The compound literally means "sea maiden." Similar creatures appear in folklore worldwide.