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

1. the first voyage of its kind
   • in 1912 the ocean liner Titanic sank on its maiden voyage