madame

American  

[muh-dam, -dahm, ma-, mad-uhm, ma-dam] / məˈdæm, -ˈdɑm, mæ-, ˈmæd əm, maˈdam /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of madame

From French, dating back to 1590–1600; madam

Example Sentences

To mix it up, served with a fried egg on top and - voila - you have a croque madame.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

The head witch in charge, Stevie Nicks, is front and center of Halsey's inspirations, calling her "the mystical madame herself" and impersonating Nicks' flowy outfit from Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors" album cover.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2024

The menu features an eclectic mix of luxurious-feeling dishes: a croissant madame with kimchi, French onion soup with duck stock, a smoked cod and chili oil-topped bagel.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2023

California Cooking With Jessica Holmes This new episode gets ready for the holidays with croque madame for brunch.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2020

The Preacher said, “And that’s not half the story, Sir Charles. No disrespect intended, madame, but while you are without doubt a deadly accurate slingshotist, little Ahbo’s skills include something else.”

From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis