maid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a female domestic worker or servant, often responsible for cleaning and household tasks. Example: "The maid arrived early in the morning to start her duties before the family woke up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Stay there i-escape.com/ipanemapenthouse.php; from €400 per night, including maid service.

The Guardian - Travel

There, Imelda was free-thinking gossip Miss Pole, Bessie a maid, and Jim one Captain Brown.

The Guardian

His father had been a Kent carpenter before becoming a master builder, his mother a lady's maid.

The Guardian

If somebody has a well-educated, highly skilled Filipino maid, everyone else wants one too.

The Guardian

Each room too has a doorbell, which rings out birdsong every time a maid comes (and come they do, about four times a day, with towels, pillows, soap, and pillows again) but it's often drowned by the actual birdsong outside.

The Guardian - Travel

It tells the story of the shifting balance of power between an apparently dominant butterfly professor called Cynthia (played by Sidse Babett Knudsen, the Danish PM in Borgen) and her lover Evelyn, a quakingly subservient maid (Chiara D'Anna).

The Guardian - Film

This coming-of-age novel was also a politically-aware narrative, which followed a teen maid who was forced by her father to work for a family in Beirut.

The Guardian - Books

Stay there 00 27 0 83 719 5735; lionsview.co.za; from £351 per night for the penthouse only, including maid service.

The Guardian - Travel

Tyson went back to his hotel room but there was no maid to console him and he was no longer the champ.

The Guardian - Sport

Neither of Rubio's own parents – "a bartender in hotels and... a maid, cashier and retail clerk" – would have qualified under his proposed standards, but apparently times have changed, and the economy is different.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Child-power is replacing manpower: a child-maid costs a third the price of an adult.Aid workers say poor parents will continue to raise children for income.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to domestic workers, consider using more respectful and contemporary terms like "house cleaner" or "domestic helper" to avoid outdated connotations.

Common error

Avoid using the term "maid" in contexts that perpetuate stereotypes or devalue the work of domestic employees. Always treat the profession with respect and dignity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "maid" primarily functions as a label for a female domestic worker or servant. Examples from Ludwig indicate its use in describing roles in households, hotels, and historical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Travel

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "maid" refers to a female domestic worker, primarily responsible for cleaning and household tasks. While grammatically correct and very commonly used, as Ludwig AI confirms, it's essential to consider the context and potential connotations when using this term. More contemporary and respectful alternatives, such as "house cleaner" or "domestic helper", might be preferable in many situations. The usage of "maid" spans across various contexts, from news and media to travel and film, as demonstrated by examples from Ludwig, highlighting its broad applicability. Always aim to use language that respects the dignity and value of domestic workers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

house cleaner

Focuses specifically on the cleaning aspect of the job.

domestic helper

A broader term encompassing various household tasks.

cleaning lady

Emphasizes the gender and cleaning duties.

housekeeper

Suggests a more managerial role in household duties.

female servant

Highlights the servitude aspect and gender.

chambermaid

Specifically refers to someone who cleans rooms, often in a hotel.

cleaning staff

A collective term for cleaning personnel.

hotel cleaner

Highlights cleaning duties performed in a hotel setting.

household help

A general term for assistance with household tasks.

charwoman

An older term for a woman employed to clean houses or offices.

FAQs

What are some alternative terms for "maid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "house cleaner", "domestic helper", or "housekeeper".

Is it appropriate to use the term "maid" in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "maid" can sound outdated. Using terms like "domestic worker" or "house cleaner" is often more respectful.

What is the difference between a "maid" and a "housekeeper"?

A "maid" typically focuses on cleaning, while a "housekeeper" may also manage household tasks, supervise other staff, and handle errands.

How has the role of a "maid" changed over time?

Historically, "maids" were often young, unmarried women living in service. Today, the role has evolved, and domestic workers often have more rights, better pay, and may not live on the premises.