madam

play

noun mad·am \ˈma-dəm\

Definition of madam

plural

madams

1 plural mesdamesplay \mā-ˈdäm, -ˈdam\ : lady —used without a name as a form of respectful or polite address to a woman Right this way, madam.
2 : mistress 1 —used as a title formerly with the given name but now with the surname or especially with a designation of rank or office Madam Chairman Madam President
3 : the female head of a house of prostitution
4 : the female head of a household : wife every once in a while the madam and I will order a book that we've read about — H. S. Truman

See madam defined for English-language learners

See madam defined for kids

Examples of madam in a Sentence

the madam and I are planning to go out for a nice dinner on our anniversary

Recent Examples of madam from the Web

The madams enjoyed unprecedented status as influential businesswomen, community leaders and philanthropists, while elsewhere a growing aversion to the sex trade drove red-light districts underground.

— idahostatesman, "Idaho authors pen books on nature and the world’s oldest profession", 9 June 2017
But the showdown between the two madams at the playhouse where Emily’s virginity is being auctioned is disappointingly brief.

— viv groskop, Newsweek, "Review: New Drama Series 'Harlots' Takes on the Oldest Profession in Riotous Fashion", 21 Mar. 2017
The protagonists are often saloon owners or madams, newspaper women or doctors or lawyers.

— sandra dallas, The Denver Post, "Regional books: Women’s Westerns rare, but can be fun reads", 6 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'madam'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of madam

Middle English, from Anglo-French ma dame, literally, my lady

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Forms of Address Terms

appellation, beatitude, brethren, emeritus, esquire, sire, sous

MADAM Defined for English Language Learners

madam

play

noun

Definition of madam for English Language Learners

—used to politely speak to a woman who you do not know
Madam —used at the start of a formal letter to a woman whose name you do not know
Madam —used when you are speaking to a woman who has a high rank or position

MADAM Defined for Kids

madam

play

noun mad·am \ˈma-dəm\

Definition of madam for Students

plural

mesdames

\mā-ˈdäm, -ˈdam\

—used without a name as a form of polite address to a woman May I help you, madam?

Headscratcher for madam

The word madam is spelled the same forwards and backwards. It is also part of a well-known phrase that is also spelled the same forwards and backwards: “Madam, I'm Adam.”