bridesman
Definition
Bridesman (noun)
A "bridesman" is a male attendant of the bride at a wedding ceremony. Unlike a bridesmaid (a female attendant), a bridesman is a man who stands with the bride during the wedding, often performing similar duties such as assisting with the wedding preparations or offering support during the ceremony. This term is used less commonly than "bridesmaid" but is increasingly adopted in modern weddings to reflect gender inclusivity.
Usage Examples
- (Her brother served as a male attendant to the bride.)
- (The bride had both male and female attendants.)
- (He performed the duties typically associated with a bridesmaid.)
Advanced Usage
- "Bridesman of honour": A male equivalent of the "maid of honour" — the chief bridesman who takes a leading role among the bride's attendants.
- Her closest friend served as the bridesman of honour and gave a speech at the reception. (The leading male attendant.)
Variants and Related Words
- Bridesmaid (n): a female attendant of the bride.
- The bridesmaid wore a matching dress with the other attendants. (A female wedding attendant.)
- Groomsman (n): a male attendant of the groom (similar to a bridesman but for the groom).
- The groom chose his two brothers as groomsmen. (Male attendants for the groom.)
- Bride (n): the woman who is getting married.
- The bride was happy to have her friend as a bridesman. (The central figure in the wedding.)
Synonyms
- Male attendant: a general term for a man who serves as an attendant in a wedding.
- Wedding attendant: a broader term for any person (male or female) assisting the bride or groom.
Related Idioms
- "To stand up with the bride": an idiom meaning to serve as a bridesman or bridesmaid.
- He agreed to stand up with the bride as her bridesman. (He served as her male attendant.)