Pronunciation: /oʊld meɪd/
noun a woman who has never been married and is considered to be past the usual age for marrying
A1 My grandmother used to play old maid with me when I was a child.
A2 The old maid at the nursing home always had a smile for everyone.
B1 The old maid lived alone in a small cottage at the edge of the village.
B2 The old maid was known for her sharp wit and independent spirit.
C1 The old maid had never married and had no regrets about it.
C2 Despite being called an old maid, she lived a full and happy life on her own terms.
adjective referring to a woman who has never been married and is considered to be past the usual age for marrying
A1 She is an old maid who lives alone with her cats.
A2 The old maid lady next door always bakes cookies for us.
B1 The old maid librarian was known for her strict rules.
B2 The old maid spinster was content with her solitary life.
C1 The old maid professor was highly respected in her field.
C2 The old maid heiress lived a life of luxury and solitude.
formal In the 19th century, being an old maid was often seen as a social stigma.
informal My great aunt never married and some people jokingly call her the old maid of the family.
slang She's been single for so long, her friends tease her and call her the old maid of the group.
figurative The old maid in the deck of cards represents an unmarried woman who is considered past her prime.
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