1 bridal | Definition of bridal

bridal

noun
bridĀ·​al | \ ˈbrÄ«-dᵊl How to pronounce bridal (audio) \

Definition of bridal

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a marriage festival or ceremony

bridal

adjective

Definition of bridal (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : of or relating to a bride or a wedding : nuptial
2 : intended for a newly married couple a bridal suite

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Synonyms for bridal

Synonyms: Noun

espousal, marriage, nuptial(s), wedding

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Did You Know?

A secondary meaning of Old English ealu, the ancestor of Modern English ale, was ā€œfeast, banquet,ā€ at which the drinking of ale was a prominent activity. There were a number of these feasts and banquets that survived into the 19th century, but the oldest and best-established was the bride-ale, or wedding feast, attested in Old English as brydealu. In Middle English the ale half of the word had lost its stress and was associated with the noun suffix –al (as in funeral) and the adjective suffix (as in parental). By the 18^th^ century, bridal was perceived primarily as an adjective, as it is today.

Examples of bridal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The makings of a good bridal suite can have quite an impact on the wedding day itself. Caitlin Collins, courant.com, "Keeping calm on the big day: Bridal suites provide a Zen homebase," 21 Aug. 2019 Launching today, Walker’s new collection KW Atelier will feature a full bridal and engagement ring mashup. Nandi Howard, Essence, "Karen Walker Debuts Modern Bridal Collection," 14 Aug. 2019 The custom Danielle Frankel look was both bridal, and in keeping with Kravitz's inimitable style. Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "ZoĆ« Kravitz Wears Danielle Frankel at Her Wedding Rehearsal Dinner in Paris," 29 June 2019 Chacon, an Escondido native, said much of the company’s sales are at bridal shows, plus special orders for parties or wine tastings. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Oceanside couple living la ā€˜Dolce’ vita with Italian chocolates," 8 Aug. 2019 Given the made-to-order model of the by-appointment bridal salon experience, one size (unfortunately) is intended to fit all. Heather Hall, Harper's BAZAAR, "From Bridal Salons to Custom Gowns, Here's Where Size Inclusivity Stands in the Bridal Industry," 19 Apr. 2019 And with designers embracing and expanding their collections to suit more brides, there's never been a better time to shop for a wide range of styles (and sizes) in bridal. Heather Hall, Harper's BAZAAR, "From Bridal Salons to Custom Gowns, Here's Where Size Inclusivity Stands in the Bridal Industry," 19 Apr. 2019 Headbands Are the New Veil The trend for major headbands in bridal is two-fold: For starters, Meghan Markle’s antique diamond tiara was essentially an ultra-luxe headband, and the accessory is trending in ready-to-wear thanks to Miuccia Prada. Emily Farra, Vogue, "The 8 Major Trends of the Spring 2020 Bridal Season," 17 Apr. 2019 Maria works at a local bridal shop and is best friends with Anita and the Sharks. Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "Everything You Need to Know About the "West Side Story" Remake," 17 Apr. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

News that Turner changed out of her bridal gown and into a white slip dress — perfect for dancing. Lydia Wang, refinery29.com, "Sophie Turner & Joe Jonas’ Wedding Reception Was A Dance Party (& Diplo Didn’t Stream It)," 30 June 2019 Whether the bride chooses to go simple and sleek or over-the-top, choosing the right bridal gown is arguably the most stressful part about planning the big day. Nandi Howard, Essence, "Check Out These Stunning Wedding Dresses By Black-Owned Brands," 26 June 2019 This includes bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, pageant wear and other formal wear. William Thornton | [email protected], al.com, "Jasper boutique owner among businesses opposing Chinese tariffs," 17 June 2019 Prince Harry opted for a tuxedo, and Meghan chose a second bridal gown, this one by designer Stella McCartney. Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "See Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as They Head Off to Their Evening Reception," 13 May 2019 The collection includes wedding day essentials, like bridal gowns, lingerie, accessories, bridesmaid and guest dresses, all with plus-size bodies in mind. Tiffany Dodson, SELF, "Torrid Has Launched a New Wedding Dress Collection—and Everything Is Under $200," 11 Apr. 2019 Cartwright's bridal party also includes Scheana Shay, Ariana Madix, Lala Kent and Kristin Doute, with Cara Marie as maid of honor and Katie Maloney-Schwartz as matron of honor. Emma Austin, The Courier-Journal, "'Vanderpump Rules' costars are getting married at the Kentucky Castle," 28 June 2019 Celebrating Iaconetti at her bridal shower last month, the couple’s close friend Jade Roper Tolbert — who gave birth to a son earlier this month — reflected on their love story. Melody Chiu, PEOPLE.com, "Inside Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon's 'Breathtaking' Waterfront Rehearsal Dinner," 10 Aug. 2019 The visit timed out well, with his fiancee, Nicholle, having her bridal shower the same weekend, so both of their families were present. Nathan Ruiz, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles’ Tom Eshelman seeks to capitalize on opportunity after road trip of his dreams," 4 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bridal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of bridal

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for bridal

Noun

Middle English bridale, from Old English brȳdealu, from brȳd + ealu ale — more at ale

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More Definitions for bridal

bridal

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of bridal

: of or relating to a bride or a wedding

bridal

adjective
bridĀ·​al | \ ˈbrÄ«-dᵊl How to pronounce bridal (audio) \

Kids Definition of bridal

: of or relating to a bride or a wedding

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More from Merriam-Webster on bridal

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with bridal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bridal

Spanish Central: Translation of bridal

Nglish: Translation of bridal for Spanish Speakers