MS

Ms is a courtesy title used before a woman’s surname or full name. It functions as a neutral form of address that does not indicate marital status, unlike Miss (unmarried) and Mrs. (married or widowed). It is commonly used when marital status is unknown, when the individual prefers not to disclose it, or in professional and formal contexts.

The form originated as a spelling of Mistress, historically tied to a woman’s status. It appeared in the early 20th century and gained prominence in the latter half of the century as part of movements advocating gender equality. Modern style guides in North America recognize Ms. as standard usage and permit both with and without a period, depending on regional conventions.

Usage guidelines vary by region and publication. In writing, Ms. is typically followed by a surname (e.g., Ms. Smith) or a full name (e.g., Ms. Jane Smith). It is generally not used with only a first name. Some people and organizations prefer Ms. with a period (Ms.) or without (Ms), according to local style. While primarily associated with women, Ms. can be used by individuals who identify with that title in professional settings, with others often choosing gender-neutral options such as Mx where appropriate.

Related terms include Miss and Mrs., which reflect marital status, and Mx, a gender-neutral honorific. The abbreviation Ms. should not be confused with other uses of MS or MS/MS, which can refer to multiple sclerosis, manuscript, or the U.S. state Mississippi, among other meanings.