madam

/ˈmædəm/

/ˈmædəm/

Other forms: madams

Madam is a very formal way to address a woman, particularly an older or married woman. A waiter at a fancy restaurant might say, "Your table is ready, madam."

If a stranger calls a woman madam, he probably sees her as a mature, dignified person. If the woman is younger, she is more likely to be called "miss," and sometimes madam is abbreviated as "ma'am." Another kind of madam is a woman who owns or runs a house of prostitution. Madam comes from the French phrase ma dame, "my lady."

Definitions of madam

1. noun

   a woman of refinement
   synonyms: dame, gentlewoman, lady, ma'am

   types:

   grande dame

   a middle-aged or elderly woman who is stylish and highly respected

   madame

   title used for a married Frenchwoman

   type of:

   adult female, woman

   an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
2. noun

   a woman who runs a house of prostitution
   synonyms: brothel keeper

   type of:

   businesswoman

   a female businessperson