mermaid

noun

mer·​maid ˈmər-ˌmād 

: 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

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

Unlike a mermaid or trumpet dress, this style is more subtle with its flare. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2024

That’s when our heroine — a mermaid who dreams of living on land and exploring the human world — is transformed into a human and launches her quest to win the affections of a prince despite having lost her voice in the magical bargain. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 12 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

mermaid

noun

mer·​maid ˈmər-ˌmād 

: 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"