ma'am

[mam, mahm, muhm]

noun

1. madam.

2. (in Britain) a term used in addressing the queen or a royal princess.

ma'am

/ mɑːm, mæm, məm /

noun

1. short for madam

Usage

Ma'am is used as a title of respect, especially when addressing female royalty

Word History and Origins

Origin of ma'am¹

First recorded in 1660–70; by contraction

Example Sentences

"They told me, 'ma'am, come inside with us, we will take you home safely,'" she said.

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A man with a tattoo that swirls across his face shouts, "Where you from, ma'am?"

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At the time, her friends saw no reason to doubt her, with one even jokingly calling her "ma'am" in a WhatsApp message.

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"You were required to provide answers and, ma'am, you did not."

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Cohen said: "No ma'am," adding that it was not enough work for him to send an invoice.

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Related Words

• madame