maiden voyage
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - The first journey of a newly built ship or vehicle: This term specifically refers to the inaugural trip or voyage undertaken by a ship, aircraft, or other vessel after its construction or commissioning.
Usage
This noun is typically used to describe the initial operational journey of a vessel. It often carries connotations of ceremony, anticipation, and sometimes historical significance, particularly if the voyage is notable for success or tragedy.
Examples
- Noun:
- The luxury cruise ship set sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton.
- The spacecraft's maiden voyage was a resounding success, completing all its mission objectives.
- Historians often study the maiden voyage of famous ships.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: While primarily literal, the term can be used metaphorically to describe the first major undertaking or launch of any new project or endeavor.
- The startup's first product launch was its maiden voyage into the competitive tech market.
Variants and Related Words
- Inaugural voyage/flight: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "maiden voyage," especially for flights.
- The airline celebrated the inaugural flight of its new aircraft.
- Shakedown cruise: A related but distinct term for a sea trial to test a new ship's performance, which usually occurs its official maiden voyage.
Synonyms
- First voyage
- Inaugural journey
- Initial voyage
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To embark on its maiden voyage": A common collocation describing the commencement of this first journey.
- The newly commissioned ferry will embark on its maiden voyage next week.
Noun
- the first voyage of its kind
- in 1912 the ocean liner Titanic sank on its maiden voyage