bridesmaid
noun
brides·maid ˈbrīdz-ˌmād 
1
: a woman who is an attendant of a bride
2
: one that finishes just behind the winner
Example Sentences
I was a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding.
Recent Examples on the Web Missing from the big day were Teresa's brother and sister-in-law Joe Gorga and Melissa Gorga, as well as RHONJ alum Dina Manzo, who was previously said to be a bridesmaid. 
Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2022 Sarah Cassidy, who teamed with Renner to win this week’s women’s doubles championship, will be a bridesmaid. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2022 In the film, Lohan will play Maddie, a bridesmaid attending a wedding in Ireland between her best friend and… the love of her life. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 1 Sep. 2022 Compono, who introduced the couple, served as as a bridesmaid for Gruman on Friday. Dana Rose Falcone, PEOPLE.com, 22 July 2022 Lady Louise, who was memorably a bridesmaid at Prince William and Kate's wedding, is the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2022 Better Call Saul has been the perennial bridesmaid of the comedy categories, racking up not one single Primetime Emmy win out of 39 noms over the past five seasons. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2022 Missing from the big day were Giudice's brother and sister-in-law Joe Gorga and Melissa Gorga, as well as RHONJ alum Dina Manzo, who was previously said to be a bridesmaid. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 8 Aug. 2022 Back in 2011, Louise was a bridesmaid in Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding. Chanel Vargas, Town & Country, 12 May 2022 See More
Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2022 Sarah Cassidy, who teamed with Renner to win this week’s women’s doubles championship, will be a bridesmaid. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2022 In the film, Lohan will play Maddie, a bridesmaid attending a wedding in Ireland between her best friend and… the love of her life. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 1 Sep. 2022 Compono, who introduced the couple, served as as a bridesmaid for Gruman on Friday. Dana Rose Falcone, PEOPLE.com, 22 July 2022 Lady Louise, who was memorably a bridesmaid at Prince William and Kate's wedding, is the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2022 Better Call Saul has been the perennial bridesmaid of the comedy categories, racking up not one single Primetime Emmy win out of 39 noms over the past five seasons. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2022 Missing from the big day were Giudice's brother and sister-in-law Joe Gorga and Melissa Gorga, as well as RHONJ alum Dina Manzo, who was previously said to be a bridesmaid. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 8 Aug. 2022 Back in 2011, Louise was a bridesmaid in Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding. Chanel Vargas, Town & Country, 12 May 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
bridesmaid
noun
brides·maid ˈbrīdz-ˌmād
: a woman who attends a bride at her wedding