dona

[ daw-nah ]

/ ˈdɔ nɑ /

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Definition of dona

noun

(initial capital letter) Madam; Lady: a Portuguese title prefixed to a woman's given name.

(in Portuguese-speaking countries) a lady or gentlewoman.

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QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

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Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of dona

1615–25; <Portuguese <Latin domina, feminine of dominus

Words nearby dona

domme, Domnus, Domrémy-la-Pucelle, Dom. Rep., don, dona, donable, Donald, Donar, donate, Donatello

Other definitions for dona (2 of 2)

doña

[ daw-nyah ]

/ ˈdɔ nyɑ /

noun

(initial capital letter) Madam; Lady: a Spanish title prefixed to a woman's given name.

(in Spanish-speaking countries) a lady or gentlewoman.

Origin of doña

1615–25; <Spanish <Latin domina, feminine of dominus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use dona in a sentence

Dona Keefe, the mom from Indianapolis, is all-too-familiar with this during-school, after-dinner, full-time gangster business.
The Mafia Moms|Brian Ries|September 30, 2010|DAILY BEAST
In this action Dona Maria de Jesus distinguished herself; for the spirit of patriotism had not confined itself to the men.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
The daughter of the house, Dona Carlota, is distinguished here by talent and cultivation beyond her fellows.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
Dona Maria stole from home to the house of her own sister, who was married, and lived at a little distance.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham

Dona Maria told me several particulars concerning the country, and more concerning her own adventures.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
So Virgil, "Solemnes tum forte dapes et tristia dona ante urbem in luco," &c.
Notes and Queries, Number 196, July 30, 1853|Various

British Dictionary definitions for dona (1 of 2)

Dona

/ (Portuguese ˈdõːnə) /

noun

a Portuguese title of address equivalent to Mrs or Madam : placed before a name to indicate respect

Word Origin for Dona

C19: from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus master

British Dictionary definitions for dona (2 of 2)

Doña

/ (ˈdɒnjə, Spanish ˈdoɲa) /

noun

a Spanish title of address equivalent to Mrs or Madam : placed before a name to indicate respect

Word Origin for Doña

C17: via Spanish, from Latin domina; see Dona

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012