noun plural madams or for sense 1 mesdames (ˈmeɪˌdæm) a polite term of address for a woman, esp one considered to be of relatively high social status. a woman who runs a brothel. British informal a precocious or pompous little girl. the madam Southern African informal the lady of the house.

[singular] (North American English) used as a polite way of addressing a woman ‘Can I help you, ma'am?’ compare sir Take your English to the next level The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

the usual way of beginning a formal letter to a woman whose name you do not know: Dear Madam, I am writing on behalf of your uncle,Mr James Ross. See more. [ S ] UK disapproving. a young girl who behaves like an older woman, expecting others to obey her: She's turning into a proper little madam.