Also spelled maam and marm
Meanings
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1
noun
A form of address for a woman: contraction of madam.
Madam me no Madam, but learn to retrench your vvords; and ſay Mam; as yes Mam, and no Mam, as other Ladies VVomen do. Madam! 'tis a year in pronouncing.
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2
noun
A polite and formal way to address a woman.
Ma'am, will you be attending the dinner this evening?
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3
noun
A respectful term of address to a woman of higher rank or position.
– Sergeant, have the platoon in formation and ready for inspection at 0800. – Aye aye, ma'am.
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4
noun
A title for a married woman.
That is Ma'am Smith, the matriarch of the Smith families.
Thesaurus
Etymology
The noun is a contraction of madam, and represents a regional pronunciation of that word in the United Kingdom. The verb is derived from the noun.