mermaid

From Middle English mermayde (“maid of the sea”), from mere (“sea, lake”) + maid, equivalent to mer- +‎ maid. Compare Old English meremenn, meremennen, meremenin (“mermaid, siren”).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈməː.meɪd/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈmɝ.meɪd/

• Audio (US)

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mermaid (plural mermaids)

1. A mythological creature with a woman's head and upper body, and a tail of a fish.
2. (as a modifier) Coloured a brilliant turquoise.

   mermaid smoothie

• mergirl, merlady, mermaiden, merwoman

• merperson

• mermother
• merqueen

• merfolk

• melusine
• nixie
• siren

• mermaid's purse
• mermaid skirt