Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The mother of Jesus Christ: In Christian tradition, Madonna is a title of reverence for Mary, the mother of Jesus, often depicted in art with the infant Jesus.
   • A famous American singer and cultural icon: Madonna is the stage name of Madonna Louise Ciccone (born 1958), a highly influential pop singer, songwriter, and actress known for her constant reinvention and impact on popular culture.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Religious context):
  • The painting depicts the Madonna and Child. (The artwork shows the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus.)
  • Many Renaissance artists were commissioned to paint a Madonna.
• Proper noun (Pop culture context):
  • Madonna's latest album topped the charts.
  • The performer's style was heavily influenced by Madonna.

Advanced Usage

• "Madonna-like": Resembling the Virgin Mary in appearance or demeanor, often implying purity, serenity, or maternal grace.
  • She had a Madonna-like calmness about her.
• "Madonna complex": A psychological term (less common) describing an idealized, often unattainable view of women as purely maternal or saintly figures.

Variants and Related Words

• Madonnalike (adjective): Having the qualities associated with the Virgin Mary.
• Madonna lily: A specific type of white lily (Lilium candidum) traditionally associated with the Virgin Mary in religious art.

Synonyms

• The Virgin Mary / The Blessed Virgin (for the religious figure): These are the most common synonyms in theological and devotional contexts.
• The Material Girl / The Queen of Pop (for the singer): These are epithets commonly used to refer to the pop icon Madonna.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "A Madonna and child pose": A compositional arrangement in art or photography where a woman holds a child in a manner reminiscent of traditional religious paintings.
  • The photograph of the mother and baby was a modern take on the Madonna and child pose.
• "To pull a Madonna": (Informal) To dramatically reinvent one's public image or style.
  • After that flop, the artist needs to pull a Madonna and completely change her sound.

Noun

1. United States pop singer and sex symbol during the 1980s (born in 1958)
2. the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics