maid of honor

noun

1. an unmarried woman who is the chief attendant of a bride.

2. an unmarried woman, usually of noble birth, attendant on a queen or princess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of maid of honor¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Conrad was maid of honor at Cooper’s wedding, but, as Cooper confessed on a recent podcast, they aren’t friends anymore.

From Salon

Ms. James’s Rottweiler, Onyx, was the maid of honor at their wedding.

From New York Times

“I lost my best friends, I lost my roommates, I lost my bridesmaids, I lost my maid of honor, I lost my everything,” Thompson said.

From Seattle Times

“She would have been my maid of honor, and I probably would have been hers,” Jazzmin said.

From Seattle Times

The simple function of handing over the bride’s ring could be done by the maid of honor, if there is one.

From Washington Post