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

And he said, quote unquote, ‘Go F yourself, madam’.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

So, Madam Vice President, could you please have a press conference already?

From Salon

“Now, whoever asks me to kill, I tell them: ‘Look, give me the child, and I’ll take her to Anila Madam.’”

From BBC

Q: Madam Vice President, why have you changed your position on fracking?

From Salon

Related Words

• matron