# dame

/ˈdeɪm/ (US) · /dˈeɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dame
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 3. slang for a woman

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Informal · Slang

an old-fashioned and informal way to say 'woman'.

For teachers: a slang term for a woman, common in mid-20th-century American English but now considered dated or slightly disrespectful.

- In those old black-and-white detective movies, the hero often falls for a mysterious dame.
- The hard-boiled detective leaned against the bar, watching the dame walk across the room with a mixture of suspicion and admiration.

Teaching tip: This sense is mostly found in old 'film noir' movies or pulp fiction; it is not used in modern polite conversation.

## Examples

- The actor played the Dame in the local Christmas show.
- Every year, the local theater hires a famous comedian to play the Dame in their production of Cinderella.
- The success of a traditional pantomime often hinges on the charisma of the Dame, whose improvised banter and flamboyant presence bridge the gap between the stage and the spectators.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.