# ma'am

/ˈməm/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maam
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

a polite way to speak to a woman, especially if you do not know her name or if she is in a position of authority. It is a short form of the word 'madam'.

For teachers: a polite form of address for a woman, typically used by service staff or subordinates. A contraction of 'madam', it is more common in American English and military contexts.

## Examples

- How can I help you today, ma'am?
- The hotel receptionist greeted the guest with a polite 'Good evening, ma'am' as she handed over the room key.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Hello, the ma'am." but "Hello, ma'am." — Ma'am is a direct address title and does not take a determiner like 'the'.

## Usage notes

- Used as a vocative; it functions as a title of respect and is not typically preceded by an article.

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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.