HOW TO PRONOUNCE
ma'am
/mæm/
Press play to hear how to pronounce ma'am.
American Pronunciation Guide · 0:47
Watch on YouTube ↗
Watch on YouTube ↗
What does ma'am mean?
noun
- A form of address for a woman: contraction of madam.
- A polite and formal way to address a woman.
- A respectful term of address to a woman of higher rank or position.
More meanings (3)
verb
- (informal) To address (a woman) as "ma'am".
noun
- (archaic) A title for a married woman.
- (archaic) A female schoolteacher; a schoolmarm.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/mæm/
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
“I mean he's a little likely to do it as the oldest man in the stable. How's the gov'nor to-day, ma'am?”
When it was blazing up he said, “Shall I wheel you round in front of it, ma’am, as the morning is chilly?”
More book examples (3)
"Well, ma'am," said Penelope, breaking down in one of her queer laughs, "I shouldn't be a bit surprised if you were right."
“It’s a delicate matter, ma’am,” I heard the Sergeant say, “giving money back. You charged her cheap for the things, I’m sure?”
‘By your leave, ma’am,’ returned Mr. Peggotty, ‘I should take it kind, pervising you doen’t mind my clicketten, if you’d bide heer.’