dona

¹

[ daw-nah ]

noun

1. (initial capital letter) Madam; Lady: a Portuguese title prefixed to a woman's given name.
2. (in Portuguese-speaking countries) a lady or gentlewoman.

doña

²

[ daw-nyah ]

noun

1. (initial capital letter) Madam; Lady: a Spanish title prefixed to a woman's given name.
2. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a lady or gentlewoman.

Doña

¹

/ ˈdɒnjə; ˈdoɲa /

noun

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

Dona

²

/ ˈdõːnə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dona¹

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

Origin of dona²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dona¹

C17: via Spanish, from Latin domina; see Dona

Origin of dona²

C19: from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus master

Example Sentences

Dona Keefe, the mom from Indianapolis, is all-too-familiar with this during-school, after-dinner, full-time gangster business.

From The Daily Beast

In this action Dona Maria de Jesus distinguished herself; for the spirit of patriotism had not confined itself to the men.

From Project Gutenberg

The daughter of the house, Dona Carlota, is distinguished here by talent and cultivation beyond her fellows.

From Project Gutenberg

Dona Maria stole from home to the house of her own sister, who was married, and lived at a little distance.

From Project Gutenberg

Dona Maria told me several particulars concerning the country, and more concerning her own adventures.

From Project Gutenberg

So Virgil, "Solemnes tum forte dapes et tristia dona ante urbem in luco," &c.

From Project Gutenberg