ma'am

[mam, mahm, muhm]

noun

1. madam.

2. (in Britain) a term used in addressing the queen or a royal princess.

ma'am

/ mɑːm, mæm, məm /

noun

1. short for madam

Usage

Ma'am is used as a title of respect, especially when addressing female royalty

Word History and Origins

Origin of ma'am¹

First recorded in 1660–70; by contraction

Example Sentences

"They told me, 'ma'am, come inside with us, we will take you home safely,'" she said.

From BBC

A man with a tattoo that swirls across his face shouts, "Where you from, ma'am?"

From BBC

At the time, her friends saw no reason to doubt her, with one even jokingly calling her "ma'am" in a WhatsApp message.

From BBC

"You were required to provide answers and, ma'am, you did not."

From BBC

Cohen said: "No ma'am," adding that it was not enough work for him to send an invoice.

From Salon

Related Words

• madame