lady

la·dy

noun, often attributive \ˈlā-dē\

plural ladies

Definition of LADY

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 lover

2

capitalized : virgin mary —usually used with Our

3

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, mistress

5

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

Examples of LADY

1. Her mother was always telling her to act like a lady.
2. He bumped into some lady walking to the bus stop.
3. He helped a little old lady cross the street.

Origin of LADY

Middle English, from Old English hlǣfdige, from hlāf bread + -dige (akin to dǣge kneader of bread) — more at loaf, dairy

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LADY

Synonyms

female, woman, skirt [slang]

Related Words

dame, gentlewoman; madam, madame, senora (or señora); babe [slang], beauty, belle, chick [slang], damsel, doll, gal, girl, ingenue (or ingénue), lass, lassie, mademoiselle, maid, maiden, miss, senorita (or señorita)

Rhymes with LADY

Brady, cedi, glady, shady