mme.: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical (in historical/translation contexts)
Quick answer
What does “mme.” mean?
The French honorific abbreviation for "Madame," used as a title equivalent to "Mrs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The French honorific abbreviation for "Madame," used as a title equivalent to "Mrs." for a married woman, or a respectful title for an adult woman.
As an abbreviation, it is used in English contexts when referring to French-speaking women, in historical contexts, or in formal international correspondence to maintain the original French title. It is not an English word but a borrowed French abbreviation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage between UK and US English. Both treat it as a foreign borrowing. It may be slightly more common in UK English due to historical and geographical proximity to France.
Connotations
Connotes formality, French origin, and sometimes historical or diplomatic contexts. Can imply a degree of sophistication or specific cultural reference.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Found almost exclusively in specific contexts: historical texts, biographies, translations from French, or formal international listings.
Grammar
How to Use “mme.” in a Sentence
Title + Surname (e.g., Mme. Curie)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in formal correspondence with French-speaking female executives.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or cultural studies when referring to French female figures (e.g., Mme. de Staël in philosophy).
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday English conversation.
Technical
Used in translation notes, library cataloguing, or diplomatic protocols.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mme.”
- Pronouncing it as individual letters 'M-M-E'.
- Using it as a generic term for any woman.
- Forgetting the period (.) after the abbreviation.
- Not italicizing it in formal writing to mark it as foreign.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a borrowed French abbreviation for 'Madame'. In English, it is used as a foreign title.
You pronounce the full word it stands for: 'Madame' (/ˌmadam/ in British English, /ˌmæˈdæm/ in American English). You do not sound out the letters 'm', 'm', 'e'.
Yes, in formal writing, it is conventional to italicize foreign words and abbreviations, including 'mme.'.
'Mme.' is the French title. 'Mrs.' is the English equivalent. 'Mme.' is used in English only when specifically referring to a French-speaking woman or in a context where the French title is being preserved.
The French honorific abbreviation for "Madame," used as a title equivalent to "Mrs.
Mme. is usually formal, technical (in historical/translation contexts) in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two 'm's as standing for 'Madame Married' (though this is not etymologically accurate, it helps recall the meaning).
Conceptual Metaphor
TITLE IS A CONTAINER FOR STATUS (the abbreviation 'mme.' contains and conveys the social status of a married or adult woman within French culture).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mme.' most appropriately used in an English text?