mermaid

USAGE SUMMARY

'mermaid' is a valid and usable word in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you might write: "The little girl was captivated by tales of mermaids and their adventures under the sea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is she a mermaid?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Throw in some elves, a mermaid, a few robot monks; dream up a land where dinosaurs still exist or the Nazis won the second world war.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Cornish myth it is the scene for a mythical encounter between a young man and a mermaid he charms from the water by singing.

The Guardian - Arts

Say we read about a mermaid who suffocates while riding on the back of a whale, because the whale is self-absorbed and stays at the surface for over an hour, forgetting that 1) there's a mermaid on his back and 2) mermaids can't survive in air for more than eight minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Like the one of Alexander Gunn who, in the early 1900s, swore he saw a mermaid on the rocks I was now gazing at.

The Guardian - Travel

Lattes by my reckoning generally cost about 40 cents less here than elsewhere in the country.I love taking visitors to the original Starbucks by the Pike Place market, where the logo shows a mermaid with droopy breasts and nipples.

The Economist

One, named "mermaid", declines to sit on the swing, but another, called "ninja", hops on and rides for a bit.

The Economist

When Starbucks was a small counter-culture coffee-shop chain in the Pacific north-west, its logo featured the same familiar mermaid but in an almost obscene pose with her fins spread wide apart.

The Economist

It is an accurate translation of the Hebrew text; the language in which the Bible was originally written.Asher GabbayTokyoToyland pedigreeSIR – I am not clear by what logic you use Ariel's race (mermaid) to negate her royal pedigree and so her place as a Disney "Princess" ("A challenge to Barbie", April 19th).

The Economist

Besides mermaid tails, ladybug antennas or monster horns, nearly every one of the nippers at the party had another accessory: a second language.Johnson's own nipper is still pre-verbal at nearly 18 months, meaning that every request not immediately understood and satisfied may quickly turn into a piercing shriek.

The Economist

And the mermaid, or siren, will be freed from her circle.Starbucks wants to join the small club of companies that are so recognisable they can rely on nothing but a symbol: Nike and its swoosh; McDonald's and its golden arches; Playboy and its bunny; Apple and its apple.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "mermaid" in creative writing, consider drawing upon diverse cultural interpretations and legends to enrich your portrayal. Explore lesser-known mermaid myths beyond the typical Western archetype.

Common error

Resist defaulting to the overly romanticized or Disneyfied version of the "mermaid". Instead, delve into the darker, more complex aspects of these creatures as found in folklore, exploring their potential for danger and unpredictability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mermaid" is that of a noun. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it acts as a subject, object, or complement in sentences across a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mermaid" is a common noun referring to a mythological creature with a woman's upper body and a fish tail. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and literature. While generally neutral in register, its use often evokes themes of mythology, fantasy, and cultural symbolism. When writing about "mermaid", be mindful of overused tropes and consider exploring diverse cultural interpretations. Common alternatives include "sea nymph" or "sea maiden".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fish-tailed woman

A literal description of a mermaid, focusing on its physical appearance.

sea maiden

Emphasizes the youthful and feminine aspect of a mermaid, often associated with beauty and innocence.

sea nymph

Refers to a mythological spirit of the sea, often depicted as beautiful and alluring, similar to a mermaid but with a broader scope.

siren

A creature from Greek mythology known for luring sailors with their enchanting voices, sharing the mermaid's aquatic and seductive nature.

water sprite

A general term for a water spirit, encompassing various mythical beings associated with water, including mermaids.

oceanid

One of the three thousand daughters of Oceanus and Tethys in Greek mythology, representing the spirits of ocean waters, relating to the mermaid's domain.

nereid

Sea nymphs in Greek mythology, daughters of Nereus and Doris, symbolizing the beauty and tranquility of the sea, reminiscent of mermaid lore.

mythical sea creature

A broader category that encompasses mermaids alongside other legendary beings of the ocean, such as sea serpents and krakens.

aquatic humanoid

Describes a being with both human and aquatic characteristics, highlighting the biological aspect of mermaids.

ocean dweller

Focuses on the mermaid's habitat, highlighting its connection to the marine environment.

FAQs

What is the origin of the "mermaid" myth?

The myth of the "mermaid" has ancient roots, with various cultures around the world having similar legends of half-human, half-fish creatures. These stories often reflect a fascination with and fear of the sea.

How can I use "mermaid" in a sentence?

You can use "mermaid" in a sentence like this: "The old sailor claimed he saw a "sea nymph" swimming near the rocks." Or, "The statue of the "sea maiden" is a famous landmark in Copenhagen."

What are some alternative terms for "mermaid"?

Some alternative terms for "mermaid" include "sea nymph", "siren", and "sea maiden". The choice of term depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "mermaid" capitalized?

No, "mermaid" is generally not capitalized unless it begins a sentence or is part of a proper noun (e.g., the name of a specific mermaid or a title like "The Little Mermaid").