mermaid

noun

mer·​maid ˈmər-ˌmād How to pronounce mermaid (audio)
Synonyms of mermaid
: a fabled marine creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish

Examples of mermaid in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Andrew Ly styled Perry’s hair in long, mermaid-like waves with fringe to frame her face. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Dramatic mermaid skirts, bubble tiers, and layers strengthened with horsehair and crinoline are all trending in the year ahead. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Molly Molly is the other co-host of Bubble Guppies—and this mermaid does it all! — Amanda Rock, Parents, 1 Oct. 2026 In a photo from the ceremony shared by a Jenner fan account, the reality star seemingly showed off a hint of the archival mermaid-style gown, which is from the Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2004 collection. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mermaid

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mermayde, from mere sea (from Old English) + mayde maid — more at marine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mermaid was in the 14th century

Rhymes for mermaid

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Browse Nearby Words

Merluccius
mermaid
mermaid's-hair
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mermaid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mermaid. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mermaid

noun
mer·​maid ˈmər-ˌmād How to pronounce mermaid (audio)
: an imaginary sea creature usually represented with a woman's body and a fish's tail
Etymology

Middle English mermayde "mermaid," from mere "lake, pool, sea" and mayde "maid"

More from Merriam-Webster on mermaid

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mermaid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mermaid

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