sea-maid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Archaic, Poetic
Quick answer
What does “sea-maid” mean?
A mythological creature, female, with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mythological creature, female, with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish; a mermaid.
Archaic or poetic term for a mermaid. Can also be used figuratively to describe a woman associated with or emerging from the sea, especially in a graceful or enchanting manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally archaic and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes antiquity, folklore, and poetic diction. May sound quaint or deliberately old-fashioned.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both varieties, largely confined to historical texts or deliberate archaic stylization.
Grammar
How to Use “sea-maid” in a Sentence
[Adjective] sea-maidsea-maid of [Place/Quality]sea-maid [Verb-ing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in literary analysis or folklore studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sea-maid”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sea-maid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sea-maid”
- Using it in modern, non-literary contexts.
- Spelling as 'seamaid' without a hyphen (though both forms exist, hyphenated is more traditional).
- Confusing it with 'mermaid' in terms of register (sea-maid is more archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in terms of meaning, it is synonymous with 'mermaid'. However, 'sea-maid' is an archaic and poetic term, while 'mermaid' is the standard modern word.
No, it would sound very odd and old-fashioned. Use 'mermaid' instead for clear communication.
In historical and most literary uses, the hyphen is standard ('sea-maid'). The unhyphenated form 'seamaid' is less common but also attested.
To understand it when reading older English literature, poetry, or folklore, and to recognise it as a stylistic choice implying an antique or mythical tone.
A mythological creature, female, with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish.
Sea-maid is usually literary, archaic, poetic in register.
Sea-maid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiːˌmeɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsiˌmeɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'maid' (an old word for a young woman) of the 'sea'. Combine them to remember the mythical creature.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SEA IS A REALM OF ENCHANTMENT; MYTHICAL WOMEN ARE PART OF NATURE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'sea-maid' be LEAST appropriate?