OpenSynonym

ladies-in-waiting

/ˈleɪdiz ɪn ˈweɪtɪŋ/

NOUN

1. Female attendants serving a royal or noblewoman

Women, often of noble birth, who attend and assist a queen, princess, duchess, or another high-ranking woman as personal companions and attendants, traditionally holding an honorable position in the royal or aristocratic household.

1.1. Royal and aristocratic attendants

Refers to women appointed to accompany and assist queens, princesses, duchesses, or other noblewomen with their personal needs, court duties, and ceremonial activities.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The queen was accompanied by several ladies-in-waiting during the state ceremony.
  • The princess relied on her ladies-in-waiting to help prepare for official engagements.
  • The historical novel describes the daily duties and rivalries of the ladies-in-waiting at court.

Related Words

1.2. Personal service and household assistance

Describes the supportive role of female attendants who help a noblewoman with dressing, personal arrangements, correspondence, and other household or ceremonial responsibilities.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The ladies-in-waiting helped the duchess arrange her wardrobe and prepare for the banquet.
  • Each of the ladies-in-waiting had specific responsibilities within the royal household.
  • The queen's ladies-in-waiting accompanied her on visits and official journeys.

Related Words

  • household staff
  • personal assistant
  • lady's maid
  • housekeeper
  • servant
  • domestic service