plural ladies
1
: a woman who behaves in a polite way
Her mother was always telling her to act like a lady.
She's a real lady.
2
: woman
He bumped into some lady walking to the bus stop.
(chiefly US, informal) She's one feisty/sexy lady, I can tell you!
He helped a little old lady cross the street.
—used especially in polite speech or when speaking to a group of womenThe lady behind the counter will take your order.
She told her little boy to say "thank you" to the nice lady for helping them.
Would someone please get the/this lady a chair?
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!
Please step this way, ladies.
—sometimes used informally in U.S. English when speaking to one womanHey, lady, you forgot your purse! [=(more commonly and politely) excuse me, ma'am, you forgot your purse]
—sometimes used informally before another nouna lady doctor [=(more commonly and politely) a female/woman doctor]
Note: The phrase young lady is used in informal speech as a form of address for a girl or young woman. An angry parent speaking to a daughter, for example, might address her as young lady.
3
: a woman of high social position
the ladies of society
4
a
informal
: a man's girlfriend
I've been wanting to meet his new lady.
b
chiefly British, old-fashioned
: a man's wife
What would you and your good lady like to drink?
5
: a woman who is a member of the nobility
—used as a title
Lady Margaret
Cite this Entry
“Lady.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/lady. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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