What does senora mean?
“Senora” is a respectful Spanish title for a woman, comparable to “Mrs.,” “Ms.,” or “ma’am” in English. It is particularly associated with Spanish-speaking communities and is commonly placed before a surname, as in “Señora Morales,” while it can also stand alone as a form of address. The word conveys courtesy and formality, though its precise social nuance can vary by region and context. In English, it is usually retained with its Spanish accent, “señora,” when the Spanish form is intended, although unaccented spellings are also encountered. The related title “senor” is used for men, and “señorita” is the more traditional or familiar form used for a young woman or girl.
nounA respectful Spanish title for a woman or girl, equivalent to “Mrs.,” “Ms.,” or, when used without a name, “ma’am.” It is often used before a surname.
- A respectful Spanish title for a woman or girl, equivalent to “Mrs.,” “Ms.,” or, when used without a name, “ma’am.”
"Señora Alvarez opened the meeting with a brief welcome."
"Señora Rodriguez was waiting in the lobby."
"Yes, señora, I understand."
The plural is used when referring to or addressing multiple women.
"The señoras gathered in the community hall."
A Spanish-speaking courtesy title that carries the weight of “Mrs.” or “Ms.” and is often used before a woman’s surname.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does senora come from?
The word comes from Spanish señora, the feminine form of señor. Spanish señor derives ultimately from Vulgar Latin senior, a feminine form related to Latin senex, meaning “old” or “elder.” The older sense of “elder” developed into an honorific for a person of respected standing, and the word was later borrowed into English and other languages.
Related word forms
How senora is actually used
In English, “senora” is most common in Spanish-speaking communities and in Spanish-English conversation. It is generally respectful and may be used for an adult woman or, depending on context, a girl; the accent mark is customary in Spanish spelling but often omitted in English text.
Easily confused with senora
“Senora” is a respectful title for a woman, while “senor” is the corresponding title for a man.