Definition

1. Noun:
   • A woman who holds the office of mayor: "mayoress" can refer to a female mayor, the elected head of a city, town, or other municipality.
   • The wife of a mayor: Historically and in some contexts, "mayoress" refers to the wife of a male mayor, often accompanying him in ceremonial duties.

Usage Examples

• Referring to a female mayor:
  • The newly elected mayoress outlined her plans for urban renewal.
  • As mayoress, she focused on improving public transportation.
• Referring to the wife of a mayor:
  • The mayoress attended the charity gala with her husband, the mayor.
  • The mayor and mayoress greeted the foreign dignitaries.

Advanced Usage

• The term "mayoress" is less common in modern usage when referring to a female mayor, with "mayor" often used as a gender-neutral title. Its use can sometimes imply a traditional or ceremonial role, especially in the context of being a mayor's spouse.
  • The title "Lady Mayoress" is sometimes used in certain British cities for the wife of the Lord Mayor.

Variants and Related Words

• Mayor (n): The elected head of a municipal corporation. This is the standard, gender-neutral term.
  • The mayor gave a speech at the town hall.
• Lord Mayor (n): A title for the mayor of certain large cities, particularly in the UK and some Commonwealth countries.
• Lady Mayoress (n): A formal title for the wife of a Lord Mayor.

Synonyms

• Female mayor: Mayor, city leader, municipal leader.
• Mayor's wife: Consort (in a ceremonial context), spouse of the mayor.

Notes on Usage

• When the gender of the mayor is relevant or specified, "woman mayor" or "female mayor" are common alternatives to "mayoress."
• The use of "mayoress" to mean "mayor's wife" is considered dated in many contexts, and the term "mayor's spouse" or "partner" is often preferred for its neutrality.

Noun

1. a woman mayor
2. the wife of a mayor