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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of madame

From French, dating back to 1590–1600; madam

Example Sentences

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

From Literature

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

From Literature

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

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.

From 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.

From New York Times