Standard Lemma guide

paranymph

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • UK: /ˈpaɹəˌnɪmf/
  • US: /ˈpæɹəˌnɪmf/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A friend of the bridegroom; a best man; a bridesmaid.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: archaic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

An ally or spokesman; someone who speaks in support of someone else.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: archaic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle French paranymphe, from Latin paranymphus, from Ancient Greek παράνυμφος (paránumphos, “friend of bridegroom”), from παρα- (para-, “para-”) + νύμφη (númphē, “bride”).

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: paranimf — best man or bridesmaid
  • Chinese Mandarin: 儐相 /傧相 — best man or bridesmaid
  • French: paranymphe — best man or bridesmaid
  • Greek: παράνυμφος (paránymfos) — best man or bridesmaid
  • Ancient Greek: πᾰρᾰ́νῠμφος (părắnŭmphos) — best man or bridesmaid
  • Italian: paraninfo — best man or bridesmaid
  • Latin: paranymphus — best man or bridesmaid
  • Latin: paranympha — best man or bridesmaid
  • Portuguese: paraninfo — best man or bridesmaid
  • Spanish: paraninfo — best man or bridesmaid