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Glite Dictionary
Dona

Dona

14 7.7
A word placed before a woman's first name in Spain to show respect, like Mrs
  • noun
: doña
  • We heard the front door bang shut, followed by Dona Silvera's footsteps walking away down the walkway.
  • Dona Barbara
  • Dona Ines
  • Dona Perfecta

Examples

  • I closed my eyes and listened to Dona Althea with the joy of a child.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • Hey, Dona Cartagina.

    Another Day of Life (2018)

  • When the transaction was completed, the Dona allowed him to kiss her hand.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • I could only think of Dona Julia.

    Don Juan DeMarco (1994)

  • But I still loved Dona Julia.

    Don Juan DeMarco (1994)

  • I noticed that the smile on Dona Julia's face was gone.

    Don Juan DeMarco (1994)

  • There were about fifty of us packed into Dona Althea's living room, just there to watch.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • How's it going, Dona Rosita?

    Miss Bala (2019)

  • After all, she argued to herself, many of the Californios called her Dona Katherina.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • I was honored to be invited to the dinner hosted by Dona Maria.

Synonyms

lady
vsDona
∞ 1.0

A polite or respectful word for a woman

is a Spanish courtesy title used specifically before a woman's first name
Ms
vsDona
  • UK
∞ 1.0

A title used before a woman's name whether she is married or not

is used before a woman's first name and aligns with married or honorific use
Mrs.
vsDona
  • Formal
∞ 1.0

A word used before a married woman's surname or full name

is used before a woman's first name rather than before her surname
madame
vsDona
  • Formal
265 4.7

A polite title people use for a woman in French, like Mrs

is the Spanish form used before a woman's first name not the French form
signora
vsDona
17 8.4

A polite word used in Italy for a married woman like Mrs

is the Spanish form used specifically before a woman's first name
Señora
vsDona
1 5.6

A Spanish word used before a married woman's family name like Mrs

is used before a woman's first name rather than as a general address

Surface Forms

Dona singular
Donas plural

Etymology

Dona comes from Spanish and from the Latin word domina, which means 'lady' or 'mistress'. So calling a woman Dona is giving her a respectful title, like the English Dame or the male Spanish title Don.