Nubile

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈnubaɪl/

Definitions

1. A young person, typically female, who is of an age suitable for marriage or who is sexually attractive
2. A young individual, often a woman, who is deemed appropriate for marriage due to her age or is considered physically appealing
3. A young adult, particularly a female, perceived as ready for marriage or possessing qualities that render her sexually appealing

Etymology: Latin "nūbilis" meant "marriageable," and it came from "nūbō," a verb meaning "to marry" in the specific sense of a bride taking a husband. Its older roots reach back to the same ancient word for marriage behind the Greek "númphē," meaning "bride" or "young wife," which also gave English "nymph." That connection is disputed, so it is best treated as possible rather than established. The word reached English through French, where "nubile" had been adopted from Latin. Its earliest English sense was plainly about readiness for marriage, the way a young woman might be described as of marriageable age. Over time the emphasis shifted toward physical attractiveness, so that the word now often implies sexual appeal as much as eligibility for marriage.

Synonyms: marriageable, eligible, mature, suitable, ready

Antonyms: unfit, immature, ineligible, unqualified, inapt