How Do You Spell MAIDENHEAD?

Pronunciation: [mˈe͡ɪdənhˌɛd] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "maidenhead" can be confusing, as it contains a few unusual letter combinations. The first syllable is spelled with the "ai" vowel combination, which makes the long "a" sound, as in "train." The second syllable is spelled with the "ea" vowel combination, which also makes the long "a" sound, as in "bead." The word ends with the letters "head," pronounced with the "eh" vowel sound, as in "bed." So, the correct pronunciation is /ˈmeɪdnˌhɛd/.

MAIDENHEAD Meaning and Definition

1. Maidenhead, also spelled maiden-head, is a noun that can be used to refer to two distinct definitions. In contemporary usage, it mainly describes the state of being a virgin or a person's virginity, especially when referring to a woman. This definition is derived from the historical notion of a "maiden," which referred to an unmarried young woman. Maidenhead underscores the significance and purity associated with a person's first sexual encounter or lack thereof.

   However, maidenhead can also refer to a geographical location in the United Kingdom. Located in Berkshire County, the town of Maidenhead is situated on the River Thames, just west of London. It is an affluent area known for its picturesque setting, featuring a historic bridge spanning the river. The town also hosts various cultural events, as well as recreational activities like boating and river walks.

   In a figurative sense, the term maidenhead can be used metaphorically to describe a person's innocence, naivety, or lack of experience in a broader context beyond sexual aspects. It can convey the idea of being untainted or unspoiled in an emotional, intellectual, or professional domain.

   Overall, "maidenhead" encompasses a dual meaning, associating with the concept of virginity on a personal level and denoting a specific location in the UK.

2. Virginity; newness; freshness; virgin purity.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MAIDENHEAD

• naidenhead
• kaidenhead
• jaidenhead
• mzidenhead
• msidenhead
• mwidenhead
• mqidenhead
• maudenhead
• maieenhead
• maidehhead
• maitenhead
• maide.head
• maideohead
• medenhead

Etymology of MAIDENHEAD

The word "maidenhead" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the combination of two words: "maiden", which means an unmarried young woman or virgin, and "head", referring to the top or beginning of something.

In Old English, the word "maiden" was spelt as "mægden" or "mæden", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "magadinō". Similarly, the Old English word for "head" was spelt as "hǣfod", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "haubudą".

Over time, these two words were combined to form "maidenhood" or "maidenhead", which referred to a young woman's virginity or state of being unmarried. It eventually extended its meaning to describe the hymen, a membrane that was traditionally associated with female virginity.

Similar spelling words for MAIDENHEAD

• maidenhood,
• maddened.

Plural form of MAIDENHEAD is MAIDENHEADS