maid of honor

American

noun

an unmarried woman who is the chief attendant of a bride.
an unmarried woman, usually of noble birth, attendant on a queen or princess.

Etymology

Origin of maid of honor

First recorded in 1580–90

Compare meaning

How does maid-of-honor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

maid of honor vs. matron of honor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I previously wrote to you about the problems I’m having with the maid of honor in my bridal party.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

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

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2025

He had recently attended a wedding where, in her toast, the maid of honor had thanked the bride for being her “trusted trespasser.”

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2025

Rob Young, Turner’s son-in-law, is best man, while Jen Woolston, Nist’s daughter, is maid of honor.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2024

Even Lynn did not know about Joe-John, although someday she would be my maid of honor.

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023