ma'am
/ˈmæm/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.60 in modern English
8
Scrabble Score
4
Letters
1
Syllables
2
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A form of address for a woman: contraction of madam.
noun
A respectful term of address to a woman of higher rank or position.
Example Sentences
- "Madam me no Madam, but learn to retrench your vvords; and ſay Mam; as yes Mam, and no Mam, as other Ladies VVomen do. Madam! 'tis a year in pronouncing."
- "Gad take my Soul, Mame, I hope I ſhall pleaſe you now— […] I vovv to Gad, Mame, I vvas ſo taken up vvith my good Fortune, I did not obſerve the extream Fancy of your Ladiſhip's VVedding-Cloaths— […]"
- "O yes Mem, I'll vouch any thing for your Ladyſhip's ſervice, be vvhat it vvill."
- "If I, ma'am, can be of the leaſt uſe—"
- ""You're very, very kind to me, ma'am," said Oliver."
- "You was wrong, mim, and I was right. I thought he wouldn't keep us up so late, two nights running, mim. Master's always considerate so far. I'm so glad, mim, on your account."
Etymology
The noun is a contraction of madam, and represents a regional pronunciation of that word in the United Kingdom. The verb is derived from the noun.
Usage
- Archaic
- American usage
- Informal
- Transitive verb