Miss (pronounced / ˈmɪs /) is an English-language honorific typically used for a girl, for an unmarried woman (when not using another title such as "Doctor" or "Dame"), or for a married woman retaining her maiden name. Dec 17, 2022 · Miss is a title used for an unmarried woman. It’s used mainly for young women and girls; it can also be used for older unmarried women, but Ms. is more common in that context. Ms., Miss, and Mrs. are not interchangeable terms. Miss is for an unmarried woman. Mrs. is for a married woman. Ms. is used for both. However, be aware. There are nuances with each one. In the US, Mrs. and Ms. are followed by periods. In the UK, using periods is less common. Use “Miss” when addressing a young girl or unmarried woman. Use “Ms.” when addressing a woman in a professional or neutral way, especially if you don’t know her marital status. Definition of miss noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. MISS meaning: 1. to fail to do or experience something, often something planned or expected, or to avoid doing or…. Learn more. Aug 4, 2025 · Miss is traditionally used for unmarried women, especially younger women. However, its usage is declining, and Ms. is often preferred, even for unmarried women. The meaning of MISS is to fail to hit, reach, or contact. How to use miss in a sentence. Miss is traditionally used as a polite way of addressing or referring to a young, unmarried woman. It would normally be followed by a last name, although in certain parts of the American South it could be considered good form to use Miss with a first name. 3 days ago · Miss (plural Misses or Mlles) A form of address, now used chiefly for an unmarried woman; used chiefly of girls before the mid-1700s, and thereafter used also of adult women without regard to marital status.