Definition of "lady" in English

noun

1. (historical) The mistress of a household.

2. A woman of breeding or higher class, a woman of authority.

   • "I would like the dining room to be fully set by tonight; would you do so?" "Yes, my lady."

3. The feminine of lord.

4. A title for someone married to a lord or gentleman.

5. A title that can be used instead of the formal terms of marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness.

6. (polite or used by children) A woman: an adult female human.

   • Please direct this lady to the soft furnishings department.

7. (in the plural) A polite reference or form of address to women.

   • Ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to be here today. Follow me, ladies!

8. (slang) Used to address a female.

   • Hey, lady, move your car!
   • Hey, ladies, how are you doing?

9. (informal) A wife or girlfriend; a sweetheart.

10. A woman to whom the particular homage of a knight was paid; a woman to whom one is devoted or bound.

11. (slang) A queen (the playing card).

12. (attributive, with a professional title) Who is a woman.

    • A lady doctor.

13. (Wicca) Alternative form of Lady.

14. (archaic) gastric mill, the triturating apparatus in the stomach of a lobster, consisting of calcareous plates; so called from a fancied resemblance to a seated female figure.

15. (UK, slang) A five-pound note. (Rhyming slang, Lady Godiva for fiver.)

16. (slang, chiefly in the plural) A woman’s breast.

17. (chess, slang, rare) A queen.

verb

1. To address as “lady”.