Cinderella

//ˌsɪndəˈɹɛlə// name, noun, slang

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A popular fairy tale embodying a classic folk tale myth-element of unjust oppression and triumphant reward.
  2. 2
    The main character in this story, a mistreated and impoverished girl.

    "The girls look like Southern belles or Cinderellas. The prom’s theme is Cinderellian: “Until Midnight.” Little, clear slippers sit on the 30 cloth- and candle-covered tables on the tarp-covered gymnasium floor."

  3. 3
    A female given name originating as a coinage. rare
Noun
  1. 1
    A mistreated and impoverished girl.
  2. 2
    Alternative letter-case form of Cinderella. alt-of
  3. 3
    a woman whose merits were not been recognized but who then achieves sudden success and recognition wordnet
  4. 4
    Something rising unexpectedly from obscurity to success, as a Cinderella team. attributive
  5. 5
    Something neglected and denied resources, as a Cinderella service. attributive

    "Cinderella State"

Show 3 more definitions
  1. 6
    A procedure or surgery to reshape the feet. attributive, colloquial, informal

    "For Dr. Sadrieh (who was wearing made-to-order Gucci brogues), foot surgery is a fusion of medicine and fairy tale. At his practice, you don’t have a bunionectomy; you have a Cinderella procedure."

  2. 7
    A stamp or stamp-like label issued for purposes other than postal administration, not issued by a central government, or not listed in most general catalogues.
  3. 8
    A woman employed to clean, especially to remove ash from stoves and fireplaces. derogatory, rare

Etymology

Etymology 1

From cinder + Italian -ella, as in little cinder girl. Compare French Cendrillon.

Etymology 2

From cinder + Italian -ella, as in little cinder girl. Compare French Cendrillon.

Etymology 3

From cinder + -ella.

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