What does ma’am mean?

Ma’am is short for “madam.”

It is a common way of formally and respectfully addressing a woman in spoken American English (e.g., in customer service settings). It is not used in combination with the woman’s name.

Ma’am in a sentence examples
Can I be of any assistance, ma’am?

Certainly, ma’am. Whom should I say is calling?

On a related note, it’s important to make the right choice between madam or madame—only use the French word “madame” if you’re addressing a woman from a French-speaking country.

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