Madame: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to politely address or refer to a woman, especially in France. Often used in formal settings or when showing respect.

• Excuse me, madame, could you please help me with these directions?
• Madame Dupont will see you now.

A title used before a surname or full name to address a married woman. It is a formal and respectful way to refer to a married woman.

• Could you pass this message to Mrs. Smith?
• Mrs. Johnson is our new neighbor.

A respectful or polite way to refer to or address a woman. Commonly used in both formal and informal situations.

• Please welcome our guest speaker, Lady Caroline.
• Be a gentleman and help the lady with her bags.

Traditionally used as a title for a woman who has been given a knighthood or other honour in some English-speaking countries. It is also used informally to refer to an older or distinguished woman, but can sometimes have a slightly old-fashioned or playful connotation.

• Dame Julie Andrews received her title in 2000.
• She was known as the grand old dame of the theatre.

This term is often used to refer to a woman who manages a brothel. It can have a somewhat professional tone and is generally used in more formal or narrative contexts.

• The madame was well-known in the city's underground circles.
• She made a living as a madame, running an upscale establishment.

This phrase is similar to 'madame' but is more descriptive and straightforward. It typically has a formal tone and is used to clearly indicate the role without any nuance.

• The brothel keeper was arrested last night.
• She took over the business as the new brothel keeper.

This term has a very negative connotation and refers to a person who controls prostitutes and arranges clients for them, often exploiting them. It is commonly used in criminal or derogatory contexts.

• The pimp was notorious in the neighborhood.
• He lived off the earnings as a pimp, exploiting the women.

This term can refer to someone who obtains something, but in this context, it means a person who facilitates the prostitution of others. It carries a slightly formal tone and can be used in legal or official contexts.

• The procurer was charged with several counts of human trafficking.
• She was known as a procurer, arranging meetings for high-paying clients.