dona

¹

[ daw-nah ]

noun

1. (initial capital letter) Madam; Lady: a Portuguese title prefixed to a woman's given name.
2. (in Portuguese-speaking countries) a lady or gentlewoman.

doña

²

[ daw-nyah ]

noun

1. (initial capital letter) Madam; Lady: a Spanish title prefixed to a woman's given name.
2. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a lady or gentlewoman.

Doña

¹

/ ˈdɒnjə; ˈdoɲa /

noun

1. a Spanish title of address equivalent to Mrs or Madam : placed before a name to indicate respect

Dona

²

/ ˈdõːnə /

noun

1. a Portuguese title of address equivalent to Mrs or Madam : placed before a name to indicate respect

Word History and Origins

Origin of dona¹

1615–25; < Portuguese < Latin domina, feminine of dominus

Origin of dona²

1615–25; < Spanish < Latin domina, feminine of dominus

Word History and Origins

Origin of dona¹

C17: via Spanish, from Latin domina; see Dona

Origin of dona²

C19: from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus master

Example Sentences

Analysis of the ingots' chemical composition and stable isotopes allowed the research team to verify that they were desilvered, and that the ore with which they were made was from the district of Fuente Obejuna-Azuaga, a major mining area that included the Doña Rama site where the ingots were found.

From Science Daily

In fact, although much remains to be studied, the Doña Rama site would seem to be a mining town complete with a foundry, a processing area and, possibly, a fortress.

From Science Daily

After returning home, Schallock had a blind date with Dona Bernard, and they married a year later.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple had two daughters and were married 76 years until Dona passed away a year ago.

From Los Angeles Times

Before her, it was Dona Mason in 1987.

From BBC