What does "cinderella" mean?
A mistreated and impoverished girl.
Cinderella
/ˌsɪndəˈɹɛlə/ name, noun, slang
name, noun, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A mistreated and impoverished girl.
- Grammar: cinderella is listed as name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: dark horse, heroine, late bloomer, princess.
- Useful contrasts: antagonist, favorite, front runner.
- Usage evidence: The stepmother sneered at Cinderella.
How to use "cinderella"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cinderella" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cinderella" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "cinderella" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "cinderella" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cinderella" is acting as name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "dark horse" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "cinderella", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A mistreated and impoverished girl.
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Cinderella. alt-of
- 3 a woman whose merits were not been recognized but who then achieves sudden success and recognition wordnet
- 4 Something rising unexpectedly from obscurity to success, as a Cinderella team. attributive
- 5 Something neglected and denied resources, as a Cinderella service. attributive
"Cinderella State"
Show 3 more definitions
- 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."
- 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.
- 8 A woman employed to clean, especially to remove ash from stoves and fireplaces. derogatory, rare
Proper Noun
- 1 A popular fairy tale embodying a classic folk tale myth-element of unjust oppression and triumphant reward.
- 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 A female given name originating as a coinage. rare
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The stepmother sneered at Cinderella."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cinderella"?
Common synonyms include: dark horse, heroine, late bloomer, princess, protagonist, title.
How do you use "cinderella" in a sentence?
The stepmother sneered at Cinderella.
How do you pronounce "cinderella"?
Pronounced /ˌsɪndəˈɹɛlə/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From cinder + Italian -ella, as in little cinder girl. Compare French Cendrillon.
Etymology 2
From cinder + -ella.