mayoress: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, occasionally ceremonial; becoming dated.
Quick answer
What does “mayoress” mean?
A woman who is the head of the municipal government of a city or town, especially a mayor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who is the head of the municipal government of a city or town, especially a mayor; the wife or official consort of a mayor.
Can refer to a female mayor, or to a woman (often the spouse) performing ceremonial duties alongside a male mayor. The meaning is context-dependent and the term's use is declining in favor of 'mayor' for the official office-holder, irrespective of gender.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'mayoress' is more commonly used, especially for the consort role. In the US, the term is far less common; 'First Lady/Spouse/Partner of [City]' or simply 'the mayor's wife/husband/partner' is often preferred for the consort.
Connotations
In both regions, using 'mayoress' for a female office-holder can be seen as outdated or unnecessary gendering. The consort usage carries traditional, sometimes anachronistic, connotations.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, but higher in UK ceremonial/official contexts. Rare in contemporary American English.
Grammar
How to Use “mayoress” in a Sentence
The mayoress of [City]She was sworn in as mayoressserved as mayoressVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used.
Academic
Used in historical or political science contexts discussing local government or gender in politics.
Everyday
Very rare; might appear in local news or formal invitations.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mayoress”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mayoress”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mayoress”
- Using 'mayoress' for a female mayor in formal modern writing (use 'mayor').
- Assuming 'mayoress' always refers to an elected official.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Historically, often yes. Today, a mayoress can be a female mayor (the office holder) or a female consort, who may be the mayor's spouse, partner, or another chosen person.
It depends on context. Using it for a female office-holder is often considered unnecessary gendering. Using it for a consort is formal/ceremonial but may be seen as traditionalist. It's best to use the individual's preferred title.
There is no universally standard term. 'Consort', 'Escort', or 'Mayor's husband/partner' are used. 'Lord Mayor' is a specific high-ranking title, not a direct equivalent.
No. The suffix '-ess' denotes female. A male consort to a female mayor would typically be called the 'mayor's consort', 'escort', or 'husband'.
A woman who is the head of the municipal government of a city or town, especially a mayor.
Mayoress is usually formal, occasionally ceremonial; becoming dated. in register.
Mayoress: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmeəˈres/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪ.ə.res/ or /ˈmeɪ.ər.ɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think MAYOR + -ESS (a female suffix). It's the female counterpart to a mayor, either in office or by marriage.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROYALTY / NOBILITY (The mayoress, like a queen consort, often holds a ceremonial, supportive role derived from her spouse's position.)
Practice
Quiz
In modern journalistic style, which term is preferred for a woman elected to head a city council?