Madonna

noun Ma·don·na \mə-ˈdä-nə\

the Madonna : the Virgin Mary : the mother of Jesus Christ

: a painting or statue of the Virgin Mary

Full Definition of MADONNA

archaic : lady —used as a form of respectful address

obsolete : an Italian lady

b : an artistic depiction (as a painting or statue) of the Virgin Mary

: a morally pure and chaste woman

See Madonna defined for English-language learners

See Madonna defined for kids

Italian, from Old Italian ma donna, literally, my lady

First Known Use: 1584

Next Word in the Dictionary: Madonna lilyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: madnessAll Words Near: Madonna

What made you want to look up Madonna? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears