ma'am
Americannoun
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(in Britain) a term used in addressing the queen or a royal princess.
noun
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short for madam
Usage
Ma'am is used as a title of respect, especially when addressing female royalty
Etymology
Origin of ma'am
First recorded in 1660–70; by contraction
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Get out there and get on with your day, ma’am or sir!
From Slate • Jul. 26, 2025
A man with a tattoo that swirls across his face shouts, "Where you from, ma'am?"
From BBC • Feb. 27, 2025
Cohen said: "No ma'am," adding that it was not enough work for him to send an invoice.
From Salon • May 14, 2024
“OK, ma’am, if you feel unsafe, listen to yourself and evacuate,” the dispatcher replied.
From Washington Times • Oct. 13, 2023
Her eyes get big but then look at ease as she says, “Yes, ma’am, I can hold.”
From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.