MADAM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does madam mean? 

• MADAM (noun)
  The noun MADAM has 2 senses:

1. a woman of refinement

2. a woman who runs a house of prostitution

  Familiarity information: MADAM used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MADAM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A woman of refinement

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

dame; gentlewoman; lady; ma'am; madam

Context example:

a chauffeur opened the door of the limousine for the grand lady

Hypernyms ("madam" is a kind of...):

adult female; woman (an adult female person (as opposed to a man))

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "madam"):

grande dame (a middle-aged or elderly woman who is stylish and highly respected)

madame (title used for a married Frenchwoman)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A woman who runs a house of prostitution

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

brothel keeper; madam

Hypernyms ("madam" is a kind of...):

businesswoman (a female businessperson)

 Context examples 

“No trouble, I assure you, madam.”

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

“Do not urge her, madam,” said Edmund.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Madam still sleep, and she look in her sleep more healthy and more redder than before.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

“Surely this is not your husband’s writing, madam.”

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Now, my dear madam, I will release you; but I could not conclude before.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

"You, madam," said he, "are cleared from all blame: your uncle will be glad to hear it—if, indeed, he should be still living—when Mr. Mason returns to Madeira."

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I assure you, madam, that it is all right.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“My dear madam,” returned Mrs. Micawber, with her business-like air.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

You have said quite enough, madam.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Quick, madam, the time grows short!

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)