dames

Dames is the plural form of dame and is most commonly encountered in the context of titles and honors. In the British honours system, a woman who is invested with a rank such as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (or other damehoods) is styled Dame [Given Name] [Surname]. The plural form is used to refer to several such individuals, as in a sentence like “Several dames attended the ceremony.” The male counterpart of this title is Sir.

The title Dame is conferred by the monarch on the advice of the government and is typically announced in the honours lists. It is a personal dignity that is not hereditary. While primarily a formal designation, the term dame can also be used more loosely to denote a respected or dignified woman in everyday language, though this broader usage can feel old-fashioned or gender-specific to some readers.

In addition to its honorific use, the word dame has historical roots as a general noun meaning a lady or woman of rank. The etymology traces from Old French dame, ultimately from Latin domina, meaning mistress or lady. The plural form “dames” appears in standard English when discussing multiple women who hold or are described by the term.

Across languages, related terms carry similar meanings. For example, in some languages the root word appears in chess terminology to denote the queen, reflecting shared linguistic origins, though English uses “queen” for the chess piece. Overall, "dames" functions primarily as a formal, gendered designation in contemporary English, with broader historical and cultural usage as a term for women of stature.