Definition

Noun: A mythical sea creature with the upper body of a human woman and the tail of a fish.

Usage

The word "mermaid" is used to refer to the legendary aquatic creature. It functions as a singular, countable noun.

Examples

• In the story, the mermaid traded her voice for legs.
• Legends of mermaids have existed in many cultures for centuries.
• The sailor claimed he saw a mermaid sitting on a rock.

Advanced Usage

• "Mermaid" as a symbol: The figure is often used symbolically to represent mystery, enchantment, or the dangerous allure of the sea.
  • The song used the mermaid as a metaphor for unattainable love.
• "Mermaid" in popular culture: The term is commonly used in the titles of stories, films, and other media featuring the creature.
  • "The Little Mermaid" is a famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Variants and Related Words

• Merman (noun): The male counterpart to a mermaid, with the upper body of a human man and a fish's tail.
• Mermaid-like (adjective): Resembling or characteristic of a mermaid.
  • She had long, flowing hair that gave her a mermaid-like appearance.

Synonyms

• Siren (In some contexts, though a siren from Greek mythology is often a bird-woman who lures sailors with song, the term is sometimes used interchangeably with mermaid.)
• Sea maiden (A poetic or archaic term.)

Idioms and Phrases

• Mermaid's purse: The common name for the egg case of certain sharks, skates, and rays.
  • We found a dried mermaid's purse washed up on the beach.

Noun

1. half woman and half fish; lives in the sea