groom

Groom is a term with several related meanings in English. In the context of weddings, a groom is the man who is getting married or has recently married, typically contrasted with the bride. The groom participates in customary rites such as vows and, in many traditions, the exchange of rings and other celebratory activities surrounding the marriage.

In animal care, a groom is a person responsible for the daily care and presentation of horses, including brushing, washing, feeding, and cleaning stalls. The activity itself is called grooming and may also involve mane and tail trimming, hoof care, and preparing the animal for work or show. Historically, a groom could be a member of a household staff responsible for horses or other personal duties, and in larger households there were specialized roles such as a groom of the chamber or groom of the stool in royal or noble settings.

As a verb, to groom means to clean, brush, or otherwise prepare someone or something for a specific purpose. This can apply to humans, animals, or objects such as hair, fur, or nails. The term also extends to training or preparing an individual for a future role, job, or position. In contemporary usage, grooming can carry a negative connotation when describing manipulative actions intended to build trust for exploitation or abuse, a concept addressed in legal and social contexts.