This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
ma'am
[ mam, mahm; unstressed muhm ]
/ mæm, mɑm; unstressed məm /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
(in Britain) a term used in addressing the queen or a royal princess.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of ma'am
First recorded in 1660–70; by contraction
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use ma'am in a sentence
“Good morning, ma-am,” he said, halting at a respectful distance.
The Golden Shoemaker|J. W. KeyworthYes ma-am, he had been glad to learn that Bertram was doing well in the city.
The Readjustment|Will Irwin
British Dictionary definitions for ma'am
usage for ma'am
Ma'am is used as a title of respect, especially when addressing female royalty
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012