English Reference
noun

lady

n.
US /ˈɫeɪdi/ UK /lˈeɪdi/ la·dy UK spelling lady's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    a polite way to talk about or address a woman.

    a polite or formal referent for an adult female human, often used to show respect.

    Simple

    The young lady at the front desk helped me find my room.

    In context

    The elderly lady living in the apartment upstairs has resided in this neighborhood for over fifty years.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate British EnglishFormal

    a formal title for a woman of high social rank, like the wife of a lord.

    a formal title of nobility in the United Kingdom, used by peeresses or the daughters of high-ranking peers.

    Simple

    Lady Grantham hosted a large dinner party at the estate.

    In context

    As the daughter of an earl, she was entitled to use the prefix Lady before her given name according to traditional British protocol.

    noblewomanpeeress
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal

    an informal way to talk about your wife or girlfriend.

    an informal or colloquial referent for a wife, girlfriend, or female romantic partner.

    Simple

    I need to check with my lady before I agree to go on the trip.

    In context

    He introduced her as his lady to the rest of the group during the casual weekend gathering.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    a polite way to speak to a group of women.

    a collective form of address used when speaking to a group of women, typically in the plural.

    Simple

    Good evening, ladies, may I take your drink orders now?

    In context

    The speaker began the seminar by addressing the ladies in the front row, thanking them for their early arrival.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency British EnglishSlang

    a slang term for a five-pound note in the UK.

    a slang term for a five-pound note, derived from the rhyming slang 'Lady Godiva' for 'fiver'.

    Simple

    Can you lend me a lady until I get to the cash machine?

    In context

    He realized he only had a lady in his wallet, which wasn't enough to cover the entire round of drinks at the pub.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    another name for the queen in a deck of cards.

    a colloquial term for the queen in a standard deck of playing cards.

    Simple

    I needed the lady of hearts to win the game, but I drew an ace.

    In context

    The poker player revealed a pair of ladies, securing the pot against his opponent's lower cards.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated