Mrs.
/ˈmɪs.ɪz/noun
A title used before a married woman's surname or full name.
Did you know?The title 'Mrs.' derived from 'mistress,' which originally meant 'female head of household,' reflecting a time when women's roles were intertwined with ownership and authority.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
mistress
“A woman who holds authority or ownership.”
14th Century
English
mistris
“A title of respect for a woman in charge, often married.”
17th Century
English
Mrs. (Mistress)
“Abbreviation denoting a married woman, indicating her status as a wife.”
19th Century
English
Mrs.
“Standardized title for married women, reflecting societal norms.”