signora

Signora is the Italian honorific used to address or refer to an adult woman in formal or polite contexts. It is the feminine form of Signore and functions similarly to Mrs., Ms., or Madam in English, depending on context. The title is usually placed before a surname (Signora Rossi) or before a given name (Signora Maria). In written Italian, it is commonly abbreviated as Sig.ra.

Usage of Signora appears in formal correspondence, introductions, and service settings where politeness or respect is required. Phrases such as Gentile Signora Rossi or Signora Rossi, desidera qualcosa, illustrate its use in etiquette and professional communication. In everyday speech among family and friends, people typically use the name alone; Signora is reserved to maintain formality or show respect. While Signore is the masculine form, Signora and its forms have little bearing on marital status in modern Italian; historically Signorina indicated a young or unmarried woman, but its use has declined and Signora is now commonly used regardless of marital status.

Etymology traces Signora to Signore, which derives from older Italian and ultimately from Latin senior, meaning elder or lord. The feminine form follows standard gender pattern in Italian for titles addressing women.

See also: Italian honorifics; Signore; Signorina.