Handmaiden Meaning in English
word
Definition
A handmaiden is a female servant who helps someone important, usually a woman of high status. It can also mean something that plays a supporting or secondary role to something else.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly historical or literary; rare in everyday speech. Common in stories about royalty or in phrases like 'the handmaiden of'. Also used metaphorically (e.g., 'Science is the handmaiden of progress'). Not to be confused with 'maid' (household cleaner).
Example Sentences
The queen's handmaiden helped her get dressed.
basic
A handmaiden is often seen in historical movies.
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The princess trusted her loyal handmaiden.
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In the novel, science is described as the handmaiden of progress.
natural
She didn’t want to be just a handmaiden to someone else’s ambitions.
natural
The chief advisor acted as a handmaiden, handling all behind-the-scenes work.
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