mademoiselle

[ mad-uh-muh-zel, mad-mwuh-, mam-zel; French mad-mwa-zel ]

noun

, plural mad·e·moi·selles [mad-, uh, -m, uh, -, zelz, mad-mw, uh, -, mam-, zelz], mes·de·moi·selles [mey-d, uh, -m, uh, -, zel, meyd-mw, uh, -, zel, meyd-mw, a, -, zel].

1. (often initial capital letter) a French title of respect equivalent to “Miss”, used in speaking to or of a girl or unmarried woman: : Mlle.

   Mademoiselle Lafitte.

2. a French governess.
3. silver perch ( def 1 ).

mademoiselle

/ ˌmædmwəˈzɛl; madmwazɛl /

noun

1. a young unmarried French girl or woman: usually used as a title equivalent to Miss
2. a French teacher or governess

Word History and Origins

Origin of mademoiselle¹

1635–45; < French; Old French ma damoisele my noble young lady; madame, damsel

Word History and Origins

Origin of mademoiselle¹

C15: French, from ma my + demoiselle damsel

Example Sentences

Linux lads and Mac mademoiselles, your time has come to play Inscryption!

From The Verge

Some seven hours later, she awoke to the words, “Bonjour, mademoiselle.”

From Washington Post

“That mademoiselle has made good use of her time, and the result is charming,” replied Laurie, bowing with his hand on his heart and an admiring look.

From Literature

“Mr. Rochester won’t: though there is so much room in the new carriage. Beg him to let me go, mademoiselle.”

From Literature

Ma chère mademoiselle, it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you today to a reopened Disney World, here in la belle Florida!

From Washington Post

Related Words

• adolescent
• teenager
• young lady
• young woman