mermaid

noun

mer·​maid ˈmər-ˌmād How to pronounce mermaid (audio)
: 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

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Cue the irreverent and whimsical twists to his sober and tailored suits and trenches, like the tiny cowbells referencing the Swiss heritage of the brand or his diving into the country’s folk stories, such as the legend of an Engadine lake mermaid, for fall 2024. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 Or spend your days making like a mermaid in your very own indoor grotto complete with a waterfall and lazy-river-style shape that circulates around a picturesque center island. Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 17 Jan. 2025 The trees’ likenesses span sailors, mermaids, and kings—each work a partial mystery to its artists until complete. Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2025 Hosted at the iconic Temple House, the event featured glowing tunnels, vibrant projections, and a live mermaid in the rooftop pool. Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near mermaid

Cite this Entry

“Mermaid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mermaid. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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