groomsman

This term describes a specific social role within a wedding party, carrying a connotation of close friendship, kinship, and supportive duty. It is used exclusively in the context of formal wedding ceremonies to denote the male attendants who assist the groom.

While the term is gender-specific, it is often contrasted with bridesmaid. In modern usage, gender-neutral alternatives like wedding attendant are sometimes used, but groomsman remains the standard term for the traditional male role.