Definition

Noun: A married woman who serves as the primary attendant to the bride at a wedding. Her role is to support the bride before and during the wedding ceremony.

Usage

The term "matron of honor" is used specifically for a married female attendant to the bride. It distinguishes her from a "maid of honor," who is unmarried. The phrase is always used in its full form, "matron of honor."

Examples

• The bride asked her older sister, who is married, to be her matron of honor.
• As the matron of honor, she helped organize the bridal shower and gave a speech at the reception.
• The matron of honor stood next to the bride during the ceremony.

Advanced Usage

• The role can be abbreviated in informal contexts, such as on invitations or schedules, as "MOH," though this abbreviation is shared with "maid of honor."
• In some weddings, a bride may have both a maid of honor and a matron of honor if she has two close friends or relatives she wishes to honor in these primary roles.

Variants and Related Words

• Maid of honor (noun): The unmarried primary female attendant to the bride. This is the direct counterpart to "matron of honor."
• Bridesmaid (noun): A female attendant to the bride, who may be married or unmarried, but who is not the primary attendant.
• Best man (noun): The primary male attendant to the groom.

Synonyms

• Attendant (noun): A more general term for someone who assists or serves.
• Support person (noun): A general term for someone who provides help and encouragement.

Notes on Meaning

The meaning of "matron of honor" is very specific to the context of a wedding. The key defining characteristic is that she is a married woman. The word "matron" itself traditionally denotes a married woman, often one of dignity and maturity.

Noun

1. a married woman serving as the attendant to the bride at a wedding