mrs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Formal, Polite
Quick answer
What does “mrs” mean?
A title used before a surname or full name to address or refer to a married woman.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A title used before a surname or full name to address or refer to a married woman.
A formal or polite title used for a married woman, regardless of her preference for 'Ms.', or traditionally for a woman whose marital status is known or assumed to be married.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though the trend towards 'Ms.' may be slightly more advanced in American English. The punctuation 'Mrs' (without a period) is more common in BrE, while 'Mrs.' is standard in AmE.
Connotations
Can be seen as traditional, formal, or potentially outdated/assuming. In both varieties, using 'Mrs' without confirmed preference can be considered presumptuous.
Frequency
Very high frequency in formal written contexts (invitations, official letters). Declining in general spoken address in favor of 'Ms.'.
Grammar
How to Use “mrs” in a Sentence
Mrs + [Surname]Mrs + [First name] + [Surname]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal correspondence when the recipient's preference is known: 'Dear Mrs Jones,'
Academic
Rarely used; academic titles (Dr, Prof) or 'Ms' are preferred.
Everyday
Used on formal invitations, in official documents, or when addressing someone known to prefer it.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mrs”
- Using 'Mrs' for an unmarried woman.
- Pronouncing it as individual letters M-R-S.
- Writing 'Mrs' without a surname (e.g., 'Good morning, Mrs').
- Using 'Mrs' when 'Ms' is preferred.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, 'Mrs' is for married women, 'Miss' for unmarried women, and 'Ms' is a neutral title that does not specify marital status.
It is pronounced 'miss-iz' (/ˈmɪsɪz/), not as separate letters.
It can be if you assume a woman uses 'Mrs' without knowing her preference. 'Ms' is generally considered the safer, more respectful default in modern usage.
No, this is not standard. 'Mrs' is typically followed by the husband's surname or her own surname (e.g., Mrs Smith, not Mrs Jane).
A title used before a surname or full name to address or refer to a married woman.
Mrs is usually formal, polite in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mrs Mop (BrE, colloquial for a cleaner)”
- “Mrs Grundy (a personification of conventional propriety)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Mrs contains an 'R' – think of a 'Ring' for marriage.
Conceptual Metaphor
TITLE IS A SOCIAL CONTAINER (it contains information about marital status).
Practice
Quiz
In modern professional correspondence, the safest and most respectful title to use for a woman whose preference you do not know is: