Madam: meaning, definitions and examples

Formal situations or when addressing a woman in a position of authority or respect.

• Good evening, Madam President.
• Madam, may I have a word with you?

Informal but respectful address for a woman, often used by service providers or in military settings.

• Can I help you with anything, ma'am?
• Thank you for your service, ma'am.

Polite and respectful address for a woman, often used in social or informal settings.

• Excuse me, young lady, you dropped your wallet.
• Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest speaker.

Formal title used before the last name of a married woman.

• Mrs. Smith will be joining the meeting shortly.
• I’d like to introduce you to Mrs. Johnson.