Madonna

[ muh-don-uh ]
/ məˈdɒn ə /

noun

the Virgin Mary (usually preceded by the).
a picture or statue representing the Virgin Mary.
(lowercase) Archaic. an Italian title of formal address to a woman.

Origin of Madonna

1575–85; < Italian: my lady

Example sentences from the Web for madonna

British Dictionary definitions for madonna (1 of 2)

Madonna 1
/ (məˈdɒnə) /

noun

mainly RC Church a designation of the Virgin Mary
(sometimes not capital) a picture or statue of the Virgin Mary

Word Origin for Madonna

C16: Italian, from ma my + donna lady

British Dictionary definitions for madonna (2 of 2)

Madonna 2
/ (məˈdɒnə) /

noun

full name Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone. born 1958, US rock singer and film actress. Her records include "Like a Virgin" (1985), "Like a Prayer" (1989), Ray of Light (1998), Music (2000), and MDNA (2012). Her films include Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) and Evita (1996)

Cultural definitions for madonna (1 of 2)

Madonna

A work of art depicting Mary, the mother of Jesus, especially one that shows her holding the infant Jesus; also a term for Mary herself. Madonna is Italian for “my lady.”

Cultural definitions for madonna (2 of 2)

Madonna

An American pop singer known for her many incarnations, ranging from an early “Material Girl” to a movie star (Evita) to a mother and wife. Many consider Madonna a promotional genius for her ability to reinvent herself.