What does mesdames mean?
Mesdames is a formal plural noun used to address a group of women, especially at a ceremony, reception, lecture, or public gathering. It is the established English plural of madame and functions as a collective form of address comparable to "ladies," though it sounds more ceremonious and less common in everyday speech. The word reflects French usage, in which mesdames is the plural of madame and ultimately comes from the expression ma dame, "my lady." In modern English, "Mesdames and gentlemen" is natural, and the French-influenced "Mesdames et Messieurs" is also conventional in formal and bilingual settings. Because the form can sound old-fashioned or Continental, speakers often choose "ladies" in less ceremonial contexts. Recognizing mesdames is nevertheless useful: it marks both grammatical number and a strongly respectful register, while also revealing the continuing influence of French on English diplomatic, academic, and social conventions.
nounA formal plural noun used to address a group of women, especially at a ceremony, reception, lecture, or other public gathering. It is the established English plural of madame.
- Used as a formal plural form of madame to address or refer to a group of women.
"Good evening, mesdames; the program will begin shortly."
"Good evening, mesdames; the program will begin shortly."
"Mesdames et Messieurs, welcome to the annual conference."
Mesdames is already the standard English plural of madame and is not normally made plural again.
"The chair thanked the mesdames for their contributions."
French mesdames literally means "my ladies"—formal enough to sound like a microphone has just switched itself on.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mesdames come from?
English borrowed French mesdames, the plural of madame. French madame is a contracted form of ma dame, "my lady," which traces to Latin mea domina, "my lady." The same Latin foundation underlies dame and demoiselle, while madam and madame are closely related English forms.
How mesdames is actually used
This is a ceremonial, formal, and comparatively uncommon form of address in modern English. It is especially natural in introductions, lectures, receptions, and other public occasions. The alternative "ladies" is more widely used in ordinary or less ceremonial settings.
Easily confused with mesdames
Madame is the singular form used for one woman, whereas mesdames is the plural used for a group of women.