Lady

Main Entry:: la·dy
Pronunciation:: \ˈlā-dē\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural ladies
Usage:: often attributive
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English hlǣfdige, from hlāf bread + -dige (akin to dǣge kneader of bread) — more at loaf, dairy
Date:: before 12th century

1 a: a woman having proprietary rights or authority especially as a feudal superior b: a woman receiving the homage or devotion of a knight or lover2capitalized : virgin mary —usually used with Our3 a: a woman of superior social position b: a woman of refinement and gentle manners c: woman , female —often used in a courteous reference <show the lady to a seat> or usually in the plural in address <ladies and gentlemen>4 a: wife b: girlfriend , mistress5 a: any of various titled women in Great Britain —used as the customary title of (1) a marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness or (2) the wife of a knight, baronet, member of the peerage, or one having the courtesy title of lord and used as a courtesy title for the daughter of a duke, marquess, or earl b: a woman who is a member of an order of knighthood — compare dame

Learn more about "lady" and related topics at Britannica.com

See a map of "lady" in the Visual Thesaurus

Find Jobs in Your City

Pronunciation Symbols