What does lady mean?
“Lady” is a traditional and generally respectful word for a woman. In everyday conversation it may be used as a polite form of address, as in “Yes, lady,” or in the expression “ladies and gentlemen.” It can also refer to a woman associated with a particular household, institution, or public role, as in “the First Lady” or “a leading lady,” although some of these expressions have specialized meanings. Historically, “lady” could denote a woman of rank, such as the wife of a knight, and it was sometimes used for women employed in noble households. Today, the word may sound formal, old-fashioned, courteous, or theatrical depending on context. It remains common in titles, ceremony, literature, and expressions involving women’s organizations or public prominence, while more neutral terms such as “woman” are preferred in ordinary factual descriptions.
A woman, especially when addressed or referred to with politeness or respect; historically, a woman of high rank or the wife of a knight or baronet.
"The lady asked the guests to remain in the drawing room."
The title sense is chiefly historical or formal. In modern English, “lady” can also function as a respectful or traditional form of address.
Denoting or relating to a woman, especially a woman of high social rank.
"The designer created a distinctive lady’s coat for the event."
This attributive use is formal, literary, or traditional and is often found in titles and set phrases.
The usual plural is “ladies.” “Ladys” is incorrect except in the rare specialized sense of a group of women of rank.
"The ladies gathered for the committee meeting."
The word once meant a woman who baked bread: its Old English ancestor literally referred to a female baker or keeper of the household bread.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lady
The word descends from Old English hlǣfdīge, literally “loaf-wife” or “mistress of the loaf,” referring originally to a woman who baked or supervised the preparation of bread. The element hlǣf is the ancestor of modern “loaf” and is also related to “leaven.” Over time, the word developed from a specific household description into a respectful general term for a woman, and later acquired social-rank and title meanings.
Related word forms
How lady is actually used
In ordinary modern use, “lady” is a respectful or traditional form of address. The title sense is now chiefly historical or formal and is especially associated with British aristocratic usage.