Cinderella

noun

Cin·​der·​el·​la ˌsin-də-ˈre-lə 

: one resembling the fairy-tale Cinderella: such as

a

: one suffering undeserved neglect

b

: one suddenly lifted from obscurity to honor or significance

Cinderella adjective

Examples of Cinderella in a Sentence

a company that is the Cinderella of the computer industry

The team is the Cinderella of the tournament.

Recent Examples on the Web

Washington is this season’s Cinderella, if Cinderella wears work clothes and is not afraid to play all 60. —Jack Magruder, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Being led to the playoffs on a Cinderella run for the ages by a guy named Jet? —Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

As showcased in the video, the family threw a Cinderella ball, where Elton surprised Betty with a dance using his special walker. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Monday’s ugly performance delivered a sobering end to a Cinderella season for Darnold and cast serious doubt about his future in Minnesota. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

after Cinderella, fairy-tale heroine who is used as a drudge by her stepmother but ends up married to a prince

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above