signora

American  

[sin-yawr-uh, -yohr-uh, see-nyaw-rah] / sɪnˈyɔr ə, -ˈyoʊr ə, siˈnyɔ rɑ /

noun

PLURAL

signoras,

PLURAL

signore

1. a conventional Italian term of address or title of respect for a married woman, either used separately or prefixed to the name.

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signora British  

/ siːnˈjɔːrə, siɲˈɲora /

noun

1. a married Italian woman: a title of address equivalent to Mrs when placed before a name or madam when used alone

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Etymology

Origin of signora

1630–40; < Italian; feminine of signore signore ¹

Example Sentences

"Buongiorno signora," he said, as he made up their beach beds.

From BBC

Like an American politician inquiring if it will play in Peoria, he often referred to “signora ­Valeria,” an average Italian housewife, and how she might like his company’s latest offering.

From Washington Post

Across from me an Italian signora in a fur coat picked up her bundle and headed for the door.

From New York Times

Germany, England and the Netherlands may have a more macho, run-till-you-drop approach, but Italy is a signora, a lady who entices and strikes when you get too close.

From New York Times

The house-keeper went through the form of making protest: "The signora has always such great alarm about fever."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• madame