# ladies

/ˈɫeɪdiz/ (US) · /lˈeɪdɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ladies
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. plural of lady

noun · CEFR A1

more than one woman, usually used as a polite or formal way to talk about them.

For teachers: the plural form of lady; used to refer to women collectively, often with a connotation of courtesy or social standing.

- The two ladies sat in the park and talked for hours.
- Several ladies from the local historical society volunteered to lead the guided tours through the manor house during the summer festival.

### 2. polite address

noun · CEFR A2 · Formal

a polite way to address a group of women.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. women's toilet

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

a public bathroom for women.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually preceded by 'the'.

### 4. poker hand

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a pair of queens in a game of cards.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. sports team

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

a women's sports team.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: While common in club names, modern professional sports are increasingly moving toward using 'Women' instead of 'Ladies'.

## Examples

- Good evening, ladies, how can I help you today?
- The host asked the ladies to take their seats before the presentation began.

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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.