Cinderella

noun

Cin·​der·​el·​la ˌsin-də-ˈre-lə 

: one resembling the fairy-tale Cinderella: such as

a

: one suffering undeserved neglect

b

: one suddenly lifted from obscurity to honor or significance

Cinderella adjective

Examples of Cinderella in a Sentence

a company that is the Cinderella of the computer industry

The team is the Cinderella of the tournament.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her social media offers no insight into her love life; instead, her Instagram showcases her family (particularly her older brother Chad), her pets and behind-the-scenes peeks at her role in Broadway’s Bad Cinderella. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 3 May 2025

The American Girl Disney Princess Cinderella Doll may be collateral damage in a trade ... —Rich Lowry, National Review, 2 May 2025

There’s certainly a fair point to be made that Cinderella stories can draw incredible viewership and rally a fanbase unlike anything else. —Shane Young, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

While the makeovers are engaging, moving and fun — who doesn’t love a Cinderella story? —Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

after Cinderella, fairy-tale heroine who is used as a drudge by her stepmother but ends up married to a prince

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Cinderella

• arabella
• bartonella
• bordetella
• citronella
• columella
• isabella
• klebsiella
• legionella
• mozzarella
• pasteurella
• salmonella
• trichinella