bride

Everyday

1. A woman on her wedding day, or a woman who has just got married. tree →
2. (church, Bible) Christians sometimes call the church «the bride of Christ», a picture of Jesus's love for his people. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and family life the bride wears a special dress and walks up the aisle; her partner is the groom (bridegroom). In church weddings the bride and groom make promises (vows). Phrases: «bride and groom», «the bride's father», «bride-to-be», «the bride wore white», «here comes the bride».

Examples

• The bride wore a long white dress. tree →
• The bride and groom cut the cake together. tree →
• My aunt will be a bride next spring. tree →
• The flower girl walked in front of the bride. tree →
• Everyone stood up when the bride came in. tree →
• In the fairy tale the princess became the prince's bride. tree →
• The bride's father made a funny speech. tree →
• The bride was delighted with it. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Adjective: bridal (bridal dress). A bridesmaid helps the bride. The man is the groom or bridegroom. Not to be confused with «bribe» (money given to make someone do wrong) or «pride».

In Jewish tradition

A woman at her wedding. In the Song of Songs and the prophets, it is a picture of love between God and Israel.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the Song of Songs as love between God and Israel. The Sabbath is welcomed as a bride, and brides appear in the seven wedding blessings.

Examples

• Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? (Prophets JER.2.32, JPS 1917) tree →
• A garden shut up is my sister, my bride; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. (Writings SNG.4.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my bride; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one bead of thy necklace. (Writings SNG.4.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun. Adjective: bridal (bridal dress). A bridesmaid helps the bride. The man is the groom or bridegroom. Not to be confused with «bribe» (money given to make someone do wrong) or «pride».