madame

[muh-dam, -dahm, ma-, mad-uhm, ma-dam]

noun

(often initial capital letter)

plural

mesdames 

1. a French title of respect equivalent to “Mrs.”, used alone or prefixed to a woman's married name or title.

   Madame Curie.

2. (in English) a title of respect used in speaking to or of an older woman, especially one of distinction, who is not of American or British origin. Mme.

madame

/ madam, ˈmædəm /

noun

1. a married Frenchwoman: usually used as a title equivalent to Mrs, and sometimes extended to older unmarried women to show respect and to women of other nationalities

Word History and Origins

Origin of madame¹

From French, dating back to 1590–1600; madam

Word History and Origins

Origin of madame¹

C17: from French. See _madam

Example Sentences

“Clearly I have been away too long. But madame, you surely do look familiar. . . .”

Read more on Literature

“I am pleased to be properly introduced to you, madame. Though I must say, this is all rather unexpected.”

Read more on Literature

Mr. Cole had at first tried out a number of stage names, from Sally Stanford, after the San Francisco madame who later became the mayor of Sausalito, to just plain Walter.

Read more on New York Times

“As soon as I started talking with recruiters, I was told, ‘Understand, madame: At 59 you’ll only be working for a few years,’” she recalled.

Read more on New York Times

When Bass finished taking her oath of office, Harris said “madame mayor,” drawing loud cheers from the audience in the Microsoft Theater as people leaped to their feet.

Read more on New York Times