noun
ma'am
mam, or mahm
Ma'am (noun) means a polite term of address for a woman, used instead of her name. Example: “Can I help you with those bags, ma'am?”
noun
1
polite A polite term of address for a woman, used instead of her name.
"Can I help you with those bags, ma'am?"
"Yes ma'am, the fitting rooms are upstairs."
2
formal The correct spoken form of address to a female superior in the armed forces and the police, and to a queen or other senior royal woman after the first "Your Majesty".
""Understood, ma'am," the sergeant replied."
How to use ma'am
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite word for addressing a woman when you don't know her name.
When to use it
Polite and respectful; far more common in American English and in military, police and service contexts than in casual British speech.
Memory tip
Always written with an apostrophe replacing the missing letters of "madam".
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
yes ma'am
excuse me ma'am
thank you ma'am
no ma'am
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Etymology
A contraction of madam, which came into English from Old French ma dame, "my lady".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ma'am
See all rhymes for ma'am →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ma'am and miss?
Both are polite ways of addressing a woman whose name you do not know. "Miss" traditionally implies a younger or unmarried woman, while "ma'am" is neutral about marital status and is the standard respectful form in the US, the military and the police.
How do you pronounce ma'am for the Queen?
British royal protocol has it rhyme with "jam", not with "palm". It is used after an initial "Your Majesty" at the start of the conversation.
Is it rude to call a woman ma'am?
It is intended as a courtesy and is entirely standard in American service and formal settings. Some women hear it as implying they look older, so in casual British contexts it can land awkwardly; "excuse me" is a safe neutral alternative.
What is the meaning of ma'am?
"ma'am" (noun) means a polite term of address for a woman, used instead of her name.
