mesdemoiselles: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Obsolete in English; remains high-frequency in formal modern French.Formal, Archaic (in English), Artistic/Foreign flair.
Quick answer
What does “mesdemoiselles” mean?
A French term of address used for a group of unmarried young women or girls.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A French term of address used for a group of unmarried young women or girls; the plural of 'Mademoiselle'. It is a formal French courtesy title.
In English contexts, it is sometimes used archaically, jocularly, or to evoke a French atmosphere, often to refer to a group of young ladies collectively, such as in a school, performance, or formal setting. It connotes formality, old-world charm, or foreignness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage between UK and US English, as the term is equally archaic/foreign in both. It might appear slightly more frequently in British texts due to historical ties with France.
Connotations
Both regions associate it with formality, French culture, antiquity, or theatricality.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. More likely encountered in historical novels, ballet/theatre contexts, or as an affectation.
Grammar
How to Use “mesdemoiselles” in a Sentence
Used as a vocative: 'Mesdemoiselles, your attention please.'Used as a title in a list: 'The instructors: Mesdemoiselles Dupont and Laurent.'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mesdemoiselles” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - Not used as an adjective.
American English
- N/A - Not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or French cultural/literary studies.
Everyday
Not used in everyday English conversation.
Technical
May be used in ballet, theatre, or historical reenactment to address a female corps or group.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mesdemoiselles”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mesdemoiselles”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mesdemoiselles”
- Mispronouncing it as /mɛzˈdɛm.ɔɪ.zɛlz/ (anglicizing the plural 's'). The final 's' in 'mesdemoiselles' is silent in French.
- Using it in modern English contexts where 'ladies' or 'everyone' would be appropriate.
- Capitalizing it mid-sentence when not used as a direct address.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and used only for specific stylistic, historical, or humorous effect. It is a direct borrowing from French.
The closest English approximation is /ˌmeɪ.də.mwɑːˈzel/. Remember the final 's' is silent, and the stress is on the last syllable.
The singular is 'Mademoiselle', often abbreviated as 'Mlle'.
In English, it's more likely to sound affected than offensive. However, in modern French, using 'Mademoiselle/Mesdemoiselles' in official contexts is increasingly discouraged in favor of 'Madame/Mesdames' to avoid referencing a woman's marital status.
A French term of address used for a group of unmarried young women or girls.
Mesdemoiselles is usually formal, archaic (in english), artistic/foreign flair. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Ladies and Mesdemoiselles' (a stylized form of address blending English and French).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MES' (more than one) + 'DEMOISELLES' (damsels/young ladies). Remember it's the plural of Mademoiselle.
Conceptual Metaphor
LINGUISTIC ARTIFACT: The word is a metaphor for formality, European tradition, and bygone eras.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'mesdemoiselles' be LEAST appropriate?