madam
Americannoun
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(often initial capital letter) a polite term of address to a woman, originally used only to a woman of rank or authority.
Madam President; May I help you, madam?
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the woman in charge of a household.
Is the madam at home?
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the woman in charge of a house of prostitution.
noun
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a polite term of address for a woman, esp one considered to be of relatively high social status
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a woman who runs a brothel
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informal a precocious or pompous little girl
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informal the lady of the house
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of madam
1250–1300; Middle English madame < Old French, originally ma dame my lady; see dame
Explanation
Madam is a very formal way to address a woman, particularly an older or married woman. A waiter at a fancy restaurant might say, "Your table is ready, madam." If a stranger calls a woman madam, he probably sees her as a mature, dignified person. If the woman is younger, she is more likely to be called "miss," and sometimes madam is abbreviated as "ma'am." Another kind of madam is a woman who owns or runs a house of prostitution. Madam comes from the French phrase ma dame, "my lady."
Vocabulary lists containing madam
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
MADAM, said Sir Launcelot, I allow your wit, it is of late come since ye were wise.
From Le Mort d'Arthur: Volume 2 by Malory, Thomas, Sir
MADAM, I will come down to-morrow and pay the Money on my Knees.
From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph
"DEAR MADAM, "I dare say you have had many letters, but I must add mine to the number to thank you for your book, the 'Romance of Two Worlds.'
From A Romance of Two Worlds by Corelli, Marie
MADAM: We are in good pleasure, and satisfaction in heart, that you are in willingness to undertake the education of our beloved royal children.
From The English Governess at the Siamese Court Being Recollections of Six Years in the Royal Palace at Bangkok by Leonowens, Anna Harriette
MADAM: The post has been more favorable to you than I intended it should, for, upon my word, I answered your former letter the post after I had received it.
From Complete Project Gutenberg Earl of Chesterfield Works by Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
