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

For something more substantial, there is a seafood tower to share, along with a Parisian-centric menu that includes a croque madame sandwich, duck confit and pâté served with baguettes.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2022

To illustrate the pride of the French housewife dedicated to cleanliness, Sempé drew madame polishing the tracks of a railroad line that ran just outside her front gate.

From New York Times • Aug. 11, 2022

If you've eaten homemade macaroni and cheese, a classic croque madame, or lasagna, chances are you've experienced the rich creaminess of Béchamel.

From Salon • Jan. 6, 2022

“I too shall go, but I shall gladly come again, if you will gif me leave, dear madame, for a little business in the city will keep me here some days.”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott