# Donna

/ˈdɑnə/ (US) · /dˈɒnɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. Italian title

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a title used for an Italian lady, especially one from a noble or high-ranking family.

For teachers: a title of respect for an Italian woman, historically associated with nobility or high social standing.

- The history book mentioned a famous Italian noblewoman named Donna Isabella.
- The protagonist in the opera is addressed as Donna Anna, reflecting her status as the daughter of a nobleman.

Usage: Usually placed before a first name as a title.

Teaching tip: In modern English, this is mostly encountered in historical contexts, literature, or when discussing Italian opera characters.

## Examples

- Donna is my manager at the office.
- The meeting was led by Donna, who has been with the company for over twenty years.
- While the name Donna has declined in popularity for newborns, it remains a common identifier for women of the baby boomer generation in Western cultures.

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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.