lady
LAY-dee
Lady (noun) means a polite or formal word for a woman, especially one with refined manners. Example: “The lady at the front desk kindly helped us find our room.”
noun
1
A polite or formal word for a woman, especially one with refined manners.
"The lady at the front desk kindly helped us find our room."
"A well-dressed lady stepped out of the taxi."
"Please, ladies and gentlemen, take your seats."
2
A British title of nobility for a woman, used before her name (as the wife of a lord or knight, or in her own right).
"Lady Montgomery presented the prizes at the village show."
"Lady Cavendish opened the charity gala."
"He was knighted, so his wife is now known as Lady Harris."
How to use lady
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA respectful word for a woman, or a formal British noble title placed before a name.
Common mistake
As a title, "Lady" is used the way "Lord" is for men — don't confuse it with the informal, everyday use meaning simply "woman".
Common pairings
a young lady
lady of the house
first lady
Lady Macbeth
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- ladies
- Past tense
- ladied
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The _____ at the front desk kindly helped us find our room.
Etymology
From Old English hlæfdige, literally "loaf-kneader" — from hlaf ("bread, loaf") plus a word meaning "kneader". The same root as loaf. It is not related to "lad".
Synonyms
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antonym(s) of
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Rhymes for lady
See all rhymes for lady →Frequently asked questions
What does “lady” mean?
The word “lady” means a polite or formal word for a woman, especially one with refined manners. In plain terms, a respectful word for a woman, or a formal British noble title placed before a name.
How do you pronounce “lady”?
“Lady” is pronounced LAY-dee (/ˈleɪ.di/ in IPA).
How do you use “lady” in a sentence?
Here is “lady” used in a sentence: “A well-dressed lady stepped out of the taxi.”
What is the opposite of “lady”?
The opposite of “lady” — its antonyms — is antonym(s) of.
What part of speech is “lady”?
“Lady” is a noun.
Where does the word “lady” come from?
The word “lady” comes from Old English. From Old English hlæfdige, literally "loaf-kneader" — from hlaf ("bread, loaf") plus a word meaning "kneader". The same root as loaf. It is not related to "lad".
Is “lady” a common word?
“Lady” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “lady” have?
“Lady” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a polite or formal word for a woman, especially one with refined manners.
What is the difference between a 'lady' and a 'woman'?
'Woman' is the plain, neutral word for an adult female. 'Lady' adds a note of politeness, formality, or refinement, and is often used out of courtesy, as in 'the lady at the desk'. 'Woman' simply states a fact; 'lady' colours it with respect or old-fashioned manners.
Is calling someone a 'lady' polite or rude?
Usually polite. 'Lady' is meant as a courteous, respectful term, as in 'this lady was here first'. Tone matters, though: said sharply, as in 'listen, lady', it can sound condescending. Some also find it dated. In neutral contexts, 'woman' is often the safer, more modern choice.
When should you use 'lady' instead of 'woman'?
'Lady' suits polite or formal settings — introductions, service situations, or when showing courtesy to someone you do not know. 'Woman' fits neutral, factual, or professional contexts where refinement is not the point. If you simply mean an adult female without added formality, 'woman' is generally the clearer word.
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