ladies

A2 · Elementary Plural noun Formal

n. a polite way to address a group of women.

n. a vocative used to address a group of women politely, often paired with 'gentlemen' in formal contexts.

“Good evening, ladies, may I take your coats?”

“The host began his speech by welcoming the ladies and gentlemen to the annual charity gala.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun British English

n. a public bathroom for women.

n. a euphemistic term for a public lavatory intended for female use.

“She went to the ladies to wash her hands before dinner.”

“The restaurant manager apologised for the queue outside the ladies, explaining that one of the sinks was currently out of order.”

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Slang · Informal

n. a pair of queens in a game of cards.

n. a starting hand consisting of two queens. The term is informal and specific to card games.

“He felt confident when he saw he had been dealt the ladies.”

“Holding the ladies, she decided to raise the bet significantly before the flop was even revealed.”

B1 · Intermediate Plural noun Sports British English

n. a women's sports team.

n. a clipping of 'ladies' team', frequently used in the formal titles of sports clubs.

“The local ladies' football team won the championship last night.”

“The club announced a significant increase in funding for the ladies' side to ensure they could compete at the national level.”