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
Noun Inflected 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 Justice McBride said she had considered defence submissions which highlighted the "extremely difficult position because of the family relationship".
From BBC • May 22, 2026
Such spending “troubles me,” he said, adding, “I just can’t agree with that, Madam Secretary. My research shows you did not bid this out.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026
Q: Madam Vice President, why have you changed your position on fracking?
From Salon • Sep. 9, 2024
Kung Lao and Raiden, simple farm hands with surprising martial arts skills, must defend the honor of Madam Bo when she is confronted by the Lin Kuei.
From Washington Times • Nov. 25, 2023
They could not approach, me, whilst so armed, nor Madam Mina whilst she remained within the ring, which she could not leave no more than they could enter.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
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.
