demoiselle

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableliteraryold-fashioned

   A young unmarried woman, especially one of noble or upper-class background.

   Grammar: Used with 'a' or in the plural: 'a demoiselle' or 'demoiselles'.

   Patterns

   • a young demoiselle
   • the demoiselle

   In the 19th-century novel, the demoiselle refused to marry without love.

   The demoiselle was known for her grace and wit.

   Several demoiselles from the village attended the ball.

2. 2nouncountablebiology

   A type of damselfly, a slender insect with delicate wings, often found near water.

   Grammar: Usually used in scientific or nature contexts, often with a modifier like 'blue demoiselle'.

   Patterns

   • a demoiselle
   • the demoiselle damselfly

   We spotted a beautiful demoiselle resting on a leaf near the stream.

   The demoiselle is easily recognized by its metallic blue wings.

   Demoiselles are often seen flying over slow-moving rivers.

Word forms

Common combinations

a beautiful demoiselle

The beautiful demoiselle is a common damselfly in Europe.

a young demoiselle

A young demoiselle in the story dreams of adventure.

the demoiselle's wings

The demoiselle's wings shimmered in the sunlight.

Synonyms and how they differ

damsel

Damsel is a more common literary word for a young woman, but it does not refer to the insect.

damselfly

Damselfly is the standard common name for the insect; demoiselle is a less common synonym used in some regions.

Commonly confused: demoiselle or mademoiselle?

Practice

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