Definition

Noun: 1. A title of courtesy for an unmarried woman or girl, especially in French-speaking contexts: This is the primary meaning, used as a formal or polite way to address or refer to a young, unmarried woman, equivalent to "Miss" in English. 2. A small silvery drumfish (Menticirrhus americanus): A species of fish found in coastal waters.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Title):
  • "Mademoiselle Dupont will be your guide for the tour."
  • The letter was addressed to Mademoiselle Claire Laurent.
• Noun (Fish):
  • Anglers along the Gulf Coast often catch mademoiselle while fishing for other species.

Advanced Usage

• The use of Mademoiselle as a formal title has declined in many official contexts in France, where "Madame" is now often used for all adult women regardless of marital status. However, it remains in use in polite, traditional, or specific social situations.
• In English, it is used to add a French flavor or to refer specifically to a French woman.

Variants and Related Words

• Mesdemoiselles: The plural form of the title.
  • The mesdemoiselles from the school choir performed beautifully.
• Madame: The title for a married woman or a formal address for any adult woman.
• Monsieur: The equivalent title for a man.

Synonyms

• Miss: The direct English equivalent for the title.
• Young lady: A polite form of address.
• Southern kingfish: Another common name for the fish.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The two meanings (title and fish) are entirely distinct and unrelated. The context of the sentence will always make clear which meaning is intended. The fish name is specialized and used primarily in biological or fishing contexts.

Noun

1. small silvery drumfish often mistaken for white perch; found along coasts of United States from New York to Mexico