ma'am
Americannoun
Usage
Ma'am is used as a title of respect, especially when addressing female royalty
Etymology
Origin of ma'am
First recorded in 1660–70; by contraction
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.
"Yes ma'am, and ICE is dedicated to ensuring that everyone that visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event," replied Lyons.
From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026
Get out there and get on with your day, ma’am or sir!
From Slate • Jul. 26, 2025
“No ma’am, I think we still need conversations,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, when asked if she would vote to nominate Jordan.
From Salon • Oct. 17, 2023
“OK, ma’am, if you feel unsafe, listen to yourself and evacuate,” the dispatcher replied.
From Washington Times • Oct. 13, 2023
“Yes, ma’am. I mean no, ma’am, she’s fine.”
From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff
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.
