dame
/deɪm/
NOUN
1. A woman holding an honorary title of knighthood
A title of honor awarded to a woman by the British monarch for distinguished achievements or contributions, equivalent in rank to the male title of Sir.
1.1. British honors and female knighthood
Used as a formal title before the given name of a woman who has been appointed a Dame in a British order of chivalry, recognizing her significant achievements or public service.
Synonyms
- female knight
- lady
Examples
- Dame Judi Dench received recognition for her outstanding contributions to British theatre.
- The distinguished dame was honored for her decades of public service.
Related Words
- knighthood
- honor
- distinction
- chivalry
- British honors
- order of chivalry
- Sir
- baronet
NOUN
2. A woman or female person
A woman, particularly one referred to informally or colloquially, sometimes with a dismissive or slightly derogatory tone.
2.1. Informal and colloquial reference to women
Used as an informal, sometimes slightly derogatory term for a woman, particularly in conversational language, older expressions, or stereotypical depictions of women.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The detective questioned the mysterious dame about her connection to the case.
- The old detective film featured a glamorous dame with a mysterious past.
- He referred to the woman as a dame, reflecting the informal language of the era.
Related Words
2.2. Respectful reference to a woman
Used in older or literary language to refer to a woman, especially one regarded as elegant, distinguished, socially prominent, or worthy of respect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The elegant dame entered the ballroom and immediately attracted everyone's attention.
- The old novel portrays a distinguished dame who commands respect throughout the community.
- Every dame at the gathering was dressed in elegant evening attire.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A female supervisor or matron at a school
A woman responsible for supervising, managing, or caring for students in a boarding school or educational institution, particularly in traditional British school settings.
3.1. School administration and student supervision
Used particularly in traditional English boarding-school terminology for a female house supervisor or matron responsible for students' welfare, discipline, and daily routines.
Synonyms
- matron
- housemistress
- schoolmistress
- female supervisor
Examples
- The dame at the boarding school ensured that all the boys followed the dormitory rules.
- The students went to the dame whenever they needed assistance with their daily concerns.
Related Words
- headmistress
- headteacher
- schoolmaster
- boarding school
- dormitory
- housemaster
- student welfare
- discipline
NOUN
4. A female character in traditional pantomime
A theatrical character in British pantomime, traditionally representing an exaggerated comic woman and commonly portrayed by a male actor performing in female costume.
4.1. British pantomime and theatrical comedy
Used in traditional British stage entertainment for an exaggerated female comic character, often portrayed through flamboyant costumes, humorous dialogue, and exaggerated gestures by a male performer.
Synonyms
- pantomime woman
- comic matron
- female comic character
Examples
- The actor delighted the audience with his hilarious performance as the pantomime dame.
- The traditional pantomime dame wore an extravagant dress and entertained the audience with comic antics.