This entry is about general usage. For the Japanese fashion, see Madam (fashion).

Madam or ma'am is a title for a woman. It is derived from the French madame, the equivalent of Mrs. or Ms., and literally signifying "my lady." The plural of madam in this sense is mesdames.

Use as a form of address

---

Madam is used in direct address, without the woman's name, for example when addressed by a stranger: May I help you, madam? In the United States, "Ma'am" is usually used. The male equivalent is sir.

Formal address and protocol

In English-speaking countries, the wife of a foreign dignitary is called Madame (note final 'e') in direct address and formal correspondence, rather than the equivalent word in the person's native language (Señora, Frau etc.). However, one must be careful not to use this term in other contexts, as it traditionally refers to the female head of a brothel.

After addressing her as "Your Majesty," it is proper to address The Queen of the United Kingdom as "Ma'am" for the remainder of the conversation.

In composed titles

Madam is also used as the equivalent of Mr. in composed titles, such as Madam Justice, Madam Speaker, Madam President. Most of these titles are usually used only in direct address, without the woman's last name: one would say President Smith, not Madam President Smith, even if one would address her to her face as Madam President.

However, the title Madam Justice is used in third-person reference: Madam Justice Louise Arbour, Madam Justice Arbour.

In the United States Supreme Court, rather than adopting the title Madam Justice for female justices, the title Mr. Justice was replaced simply by Justice. Likewise, female presidents of the Republic of Ireland have preferred to be addressed simply as President in direct address, rather than Madam President. Female judges of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales are titled Mrs. Justice rather than Madam Justice, regardless of marital status. However, District Judges are referred to as either Madam or Ma'am.

Military and police use

"Ma'am" (to rhyme with "arm") is commonly used to address female officers of the rank of Inspector and above in British police forces and female Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers in the British Armed Forces.

In the United States Armed Forces, "ma'am" (to rhyme with "jam") is used to address a female commissioned officer. Marine recruits and Air Force trainees also address female non-commissioned officers as "ma'am."

Possibly the shortness of the word helps explain another, in a sense compensating, idiomatic but non-official practice in American English: emphatically saying Ma'am both in front and behind an obedient response in clear voice to the senior, especially during drill, e.g. 'Ma'am, yes, ma'am!'

Alternate use

---

Madam is also an informal term for a woman who runs an escort service, brothel or otherwise manages prostitution; a female pimp. The plural of madam in this sense is regular: madams.

Ancien régime France

---

Under the Ancien régime, Madame was the wife of Monsieur, the eldest of the King's brothers.

Prostitution | Women's social titles