Madam
/ˈmæd.əm/noun
A polite form of address for a woman, or a woman who runs a business or institution.
Did you know?Madam entered English through French as a courtly form of address, and its older sibling ma dame still carries the original sense of possession and respect: “my lady.”
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
mea domina
“my mistress, my lady”
Old French
Old French
ma dame
“my lady”
14th Century
English
madame
“a respectful form of address for a woman of rank”
16th–17th Century
English
madam
“a polite title for a woman”
Modern English
English
madam
“a courteous form of address for a woman, especially one in authority”