ma'am
/mɑːm
/ /mam / /məm /noun
1A term of respectful or polite address used for:He responded with a polite ‘Yes, ma'am,’ to a series of questions from the judge, posed to determine his knowledge of the charges against him....
- Thereafter, if you do become drawn into a conversation, it is perfectly acceptable to address her as ma'am, Lord Crathorne says.
- With all due respect, ma'am, it would be best for you to hire someone other than yourself to put Caci through some intense therapy.
1.1British Female royalty.‘There's no secret, ma'am,’ Mr. Revere said, ‘we were speaking only of the famous beauty of Boston.’...
- I have called the doctor, and he is speaking to Mr. Cartwright now, ma'am.
- Should I bring out your evening dress, ma'am?
1.2British A female officer in the police or armed forces who is senior to the speaker.Uh, ma'am, I know you're not exaggerating....
- Only because, ma'am, he's a bigger person than I am and I'm sort of defenceless compared to him.
- ‘Aye, ma'am,’ the officer of the deck said, and she gestured to the sensor station.
1.3North American or archaic A woman.Wasn't the new kid supposed to be really shy, and call the teacher ma'am, and have all the girls pining over him?...
- Must get draughty in them big ole houses, ma'am.
- If you please, sir and ma'am, take your quarrel outside, or let me go outside, I don't think I have your kind of energy.
Origin
Mid 17th century: contraction of madam.