Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Language: Old English
Origin: hlæfdige, from hlaf 'bread' + -dige 'one who kneads'

lady

 noun
     
la‧dy S2 W2 plural ladies [countable]
1
a) a woman of a particular type or age
b) a word meaning woman, used especially to describe women's sports or products made for women
c) old-fashioned a word meaning woman, used in order to be polite [↪ gentleman]:
The young lady at reception sent me up here.
Give your coat to the lady over there.
lady doctor/lawyer etc (=a polite word, which many women find offensive, for a woman doctor, lawyer, etc)
2 a woman who is polite and behaves very well [↪ gentleman]:
She knows how to behave like a lady.
3

Lady

used as the title of the wife or daughter of a British nobleman or the wife of a knight:
Lady Spencer
4

the ladies

a) British English a women's toilet [= ladies' room AmE; ↪ the gents']
b) a word meaning women, often used humorously:
His boyish good looks made him a favourite with the ladies.
 ➔ ladies' man
5

ladies

spoken formal used to speak to a group of women:
Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?
6 a woman, especially one with a strong character - used to show approval:
She can be a tough lady to negotiate with.
7

lady friend

a woman that a man is having a romantic relationship with - often used humorously [= girlfriend]:
I saw Chris with his new lady friend.
8

lady of leisure

a woman who does not work and has a lot of free time - used humorously:
So you're a lady of leisure now that the kids are at school?
9 American English spoken used when talking directly to a woman you do not know, when you are angry with her:
Hey lady, would you mind getting out of my way?
10

Our Lady

an expression used to mean Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ
11

the lady of the house

old-fashioned the most important woman in a house, usually the mother of a family
12 old-fashioned a woman born into a high social class in Britain:
I could see the Queen, surrounded by her lords and ladies.
13 old-fashioned a man's wife:
the captain and his lady
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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