madam

[ mad-uhm ]

noun

, plural mes·dames [mey-, dam, -, dahm] mad·ams

1. (often initial capital letter) a polite term of address to a woman, originally used only to a woman of rank or authority:

   Madam President; May I help you, madam?

2. the woman in charge of a household:

   Is the madam at home?

3. the woman in charge of a house of prostitution.

madam

/ ˈmædəm /

noun

1. a polite term of address for a woman, esp one considered to be of relatively high social status
2. a woman who runs a brothel
3. informal.
   a precocious or pompous little girl
4. the madam informal.
   the lady of the house

Word History and Origins

Origin of madam¹

1250–1300; Middle English madame < Old French, originally ma dame my lady; dame

Word History and Origins

Origin of madam¹

C13: from Old French ma dame my lady

Example Sentences

These days they joke that Maya will call Kamala “big sister general” until she earns the title of madam president.

From Los Angeles Times

This dragon dance is extremely costly, as everyone from Rhaenyra to a pleasure house’s madam warned us it would be.

From Salon

“The madam of the house told me I should never do that, to eat from the same plate as them. It was like I was a dog,” she told me.

From BBC

While on a call with me last week, he rang off saying "the madam" was calling.

From BBC

“You’ve gone the wrong way, madam,” he said, staring at Aunt Daisy’s huge diamond ring.

From Literature

Related Words

• matron