What is the difference between Miss and Mrs?

Miss is a title for an unmarried woman, while Mrs is a title for a married woman; the distinction centers on marital status, not age or profession.

Which title is better, Miss or Mrs?

Neither is better; the correct choice depends solely on the woman's marital status, so use Miss for unmarried women and Mrs for married women to show respect.

Does using Miss or Mrs cost anything?

No, using Miss or Mrs is completely free in everyday speech and writing, as these are honorifics that carry no financial charge or official fee.

Is it safe to use Mrs for a divorced woman?

Yes, it is safe to use Mrs for a divorced woman if she kept her married name, but many prefer Miss or Ms, so ask politely when uncertain.

Can I use Miss and Mrs interchangeably?

No, you cannot use Miss and Mrs interchangeably because they signal different marital statuses, and mixing them up can cause confusion or unintentional offense.

What is a common mistake people make with Miss and Mrs?

A common mistake is assuming Mrs is for older women or Miss for younger ones, but age is irrelevant—only marital status determines which title is correct.

Are Miss and Mrs compatible with professional titles?

Yes, Miss and Mrs are compatible with professional titles like Doctor or Professor, but in formal settings, use the higher professional title first, then the marital honorific.

How do I choose Miss or Mrs for a wedding invitation?

For a wedding invitation, use Miss for unmarried female guests and Mrs for married female guests, matching each woman's current marital status exactly.

Can I switch from Miss to Mrs after marriage?

Yes, you can switch from Miss to Mrs immediately after marriage, and you should update your title on legal documents, subscriptions, and professional records promptly.

Does Miss apply to young girls or only adult women?

Miss applies to both young girls and unmarried adult women, but for girls under 18, it is the standard title, while adult women may prefer Ms.

Difference Between

Difference Between Miss and Mrs

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: September 7, 202619 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Miss and Mrs is that Miss denotes an unmarried woman, while Mrs denotes a married woman. Miss is a title for a female who has never been married, while Mrs is a title for a female who is currently married or who uses her spouse's surname after divorce or widowhood.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: Miss denotes an unmarried woman, while Mrs denotes a married woman, regardless of age.
How each works: Miss uses a maiden surname, whereas Mrs typically uses the husband's or own surname after marriage.
Usage context: Miss applies to girls and single adult women; Mrs applies exclusively to married or widowed women.
Best-fit use case: Use Miss for formal introductions of unmarried women; use Mrs for addressing married women in professional or social settings.
Common decision mistake: Assuming Miss implies youth is wrong; marital status, not age, determines the correct title.

Table of Contents17 sections

Difference Between Miss and Mrs: Comparison Table

Aspect	Miss	Mrs
Definition	Title for an unmarried woman or a girl under 18 years old.	Title for a married woman who uses her spouse's surname or her own.
Marital Status	Indicates the woman has never been married; no ring required.	Indicates the woman is currently married; wedding ring typically worn.
Pronunciation	Pronounced as "miss" with a short, single syllable sound.	Pronounced as "missus" or "mizz-iz" with two distinct syllables.
Etymology Origin	Derives from "Mistress" abbreviation, used since the 17th century.	Also derives from "Mistress," shortened to "Mrs." in the 18th century.
Age Implication	Often implies youth, but adult unmarried women can use it.	Carries no age implication; applies to married women of any age.
Name Usage	Used with full name or surname, e.g., Miss Jane Smith.	Used with husband's surname or her own, e.g., Mrs. John Smith.
Historical Context	Historically signaled availability for courtship and marriage.	Historically signaled a woman's legal transfer to her husband's household.
Modern Usage	Preferred by many single women in professional and social settings.	Chosen by married women who want to signal their marital status.
Feminist View	Some view it as neutral; others prefer "Ms." to avoid status labels.	Some view it as traditional; others reject it for "Ms." for equality.
Legal Documents	Appears on IDs and passports for unmarried women; no change needed.	Appears on IDs after marriage; requires name-change documentation.
Formal Invitations	Used on envelopes for single female guests, e.g., Miss Emily Brown.	Used on envelopes for married couples, e.g., Mr. and Mrs. John Brown.
Business Etiquette	Common in workplaces for unmarried colleagues; no assumptions made.	Common for married colleagues; sometimes avoided to prevent bias.
Cultural Variation	In the UK, Miss is standard for teachers regardless of marital status.	In the US, Mrs. is standard for married teachers in some regions.
Addressing Letters	Written as "Miss" followed by full name on the first line.	Written as "Mrs." followed by husband's or her own full name.
Social Perception	May be perceived as younger, single, or independent in social circles.	May be perceived as settled, mature, or family-oriented in society.
Change on Marriage	Changes to Mrs. upon marriage, unless the woman chooses Ms.	Remains Mrs. until divorce or widowhood, then may revert to Ms.
Divorce Status	Not applicable; divorced women typically use Ms. or Mrs. with ex-name.	Divorced women may keep Mrs. or switch to Ms. depending on preference.
Widow Status	Not used for widows; they retain Mrs. or adopt Ms. after spouse's death.	Widows often keep Mrs. to honor the deceased spouse's name.
Professional Titles	Used in formal correspondence for unmarried female doctors or lawyers.	Used for married female professionals; may be combined with job titles.
School Settings	Used for unmarried female teachers in many American private schools.	Used for married female teachers; sometimes replaced by "Ms." universally.
Royal Usage	Used for unmarried female royals, e.g., Miss Windsor in informal contexts.	Used for married royals, e.g., Mrs. Mountbatten-Windsor informally.
Religious Context	Common for nuns who have never married; no marital title applied.	Used for married women in church directories and parish records.
Travel Booking	Selected on airline and hotel forms for single female travelers.	Selected on booking forms for married women; matches passport title.
Email Signature	Written as "Miss Jane Doe" in formal emails for unmarried women.	Written as "Mrs. Jane Doe" or "Mrs. John Doe" in formal emails.
Media References	Used in news articles for unmarried female public figures.	Used in news articles for married female politicians or celebrities.
Common Mistakes	Often confused with "Ms." which does not indicate marital status.	Often misspelled with a period; British English omits the period.
Regional Preference	More common in the American South for younger unmarried women.	More common in the UK for married women across all age groups.
Formality Level	Ranges from casual to formal; no strict etiquette rules apply.	Considered more formal than Miss in traditional social settings.
Self-Identification	Chosen by women who prefer to highlight their unmarried status.	Chosen by women who prefer to highlight their married partnership.
Best-Fit Scenario	Ideal for single women under 30 in casual or professional contexts.	Ideal for married women over 30 in formal or family-oriented contexts.

What Is Miss?

Miss is a traditional English honorific used for unmarried women or girls. It signals marital status in formal address, though modern usage often applies it neutrally. The title originates from "Mistress," evolving over centuries into its current concise form.

Definition of Miss

Miss is a title prefixed to a woman's surname or full name, indicating she has never married. Unlike Mrs, which denotes a married woman, Miss carries no implication of age or profession. Dictionaries define it simply as "a title for an unmarried woman."

Key Characteristics of Miss

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Marital status	Explicitly signals the bearer is unmarried, distinguishing her from married women using Mrs.
Pronunciation	Pronounced /mɪs/ with a short vowel sound, identical to the verb "miss" in everyday speech.
Historical origin	Derived from "Mistress," which once applied to all women regardless of marital condition.
Modern neutrality	Increasingly used as a default for women when marital status is unknown or irrelevant.
Age applicability	Applies to girls and adult women alike, with no upper age limit attached to its usage.
Formal contexts	Standard in letters, invitations, and professional correspondence when the woman is unmarried.
Abbreviation form	Written with a period as "Miss." in American English, though British English often omits it.
Plural usage	Plural form is "Misses" or "the Misses Smith," used when addressing multiple unmarried sisters.
Cultural variation	In some regions, "Miss" also serves as a polite term for female teachers or shop assistants.
Legal documents	Appears on official forms, passports, and certificates to record a woman's unmarried status.

Common Examples of Miss

Miss Jane Austen - the celebrated novelist never married, and her works often explore courtship and marital choices.
Miss Florence Nightingale - the pioneering nurse remained unmarried, dedicating her life to healthcare reform.
Miss Emily Dickinson - the reclusive poet lived unmarried, producing nearly 1,800 poems in seclusion.
Miss Helen Keller - the activist and author was unmarried, though she famously proposed to her companion.
Miss Rosa Parks - the civil rights icon was married, but she used "Miss" professionally before her wedding.
Miss Amelia Earhart - the aviator was married at the time of her disappearance, yet she flew under "Miss" early on.
Miss Beatrix Potter - the children's author married late in life, publishing her famous tales as "Miss."
Miss Marie Curie - the scientist used "Miss" in her early career, though she later married Pierre Curie.
Miss Sacagawea - the Shoshone guide was married, but historical records often refer to her as "Miss."
Miss Queen Victoria - the monarch ascended the throne as "Miss," before marrying Prince Albert in 1840.

Advantages and Limitations of Miss

Advantages	Limitations
Clearly communicates unmarried status in formal settings.	Assumes marital status matters, which many find outdated or intrusive.
Simple and universally recognized across English-speaking countries.	Offers no alternative for divorced or widowed women who prefer no title.
Works well for young girls and teenagers in school environments.	Can feel infantilizing when applied to adult women in professional contexts.
Distinguishes between sisters or colleagues with the same surname.	Reveals private relationship information that may be irrelevant to the conversation.
Carries a traditional, polite tone in customer service interactions.	May cause embarrassment when a woman's marital status is unknown or changed.
Matches historical records and literature, aiding research and archiving.	Lacks gender-neutral alternatives, unlike "Mx." which some now prefer.
Short and easy to write or type in any correspondence.	Pronunciation confusion with "Ms." can occur in fast or unclear speech.
Appropriate for formal invitations to unmarried adult women.	Assumes heteronormative marriage as the default life path for women.
Helps maintain etiquette in traditional ceremonies like weddings.	Falls out of favor in progressive workplaces that discourage marital labels.
Provides a clear contrast to Mrs, enabling precise social communication.	Creates unnecessary distinction between women based solely on marriage.

What Is Mrs?

Mrs is a title used for married women or women who have chosen to retain a marital designation. It signals a change in marital status and is typically paired with a husband's surname or the woman's own surname. The title provides a formal way to address women in social and professional settings.

Definition of Mrs

Mrs is an honorific abbreviation of the word "Mistress," historically used to denote a married woman. It is pronounced "missus" and indicates that a woman is married, divorced, or widowed, though usage varies by personal preference. Unlike Miss, it does not indicate age but rather marital status.

Key Characteristics of Mrs

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Marital status	Indicates the woman is married, divorced, or widowed, though some use it by choice.
Pronunciation	Pronounced "missus" in spoken English, distinct from the spelling "Mrs."
Surname pairing	Typically used with the husband's surname, but can be used with the woman's own surname.
Historical origin	Derived from "Mistress," which originally meant a woman in authority or a female head of household.
Formal address	Used in formal correspondence, invitations, and professional contexts to show respect.
Age neutrality	Does not indicate the age of the woman, unlike Miss which often implies youth.
Personal choice	Some women prefer Mrs regardless of marital status, reflecting personal identity.
Cultural variation	Usage rules differ across countries, with some preferring Ms for all women.
Legal documents	Often used on passports, licenses, and legal forms to denote marital status.
Social etiquette	Traditionally used when addressing a woman with her husband's full name, such as "Mrs. John Smith."

Common Examples of Mrs

Michelle Obama – Former First Lady of the United States, publicly known as Mrs. Barack Obama during his presidency.
Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States, uses Mrs. with her husband's name in formal settings.
Queen Camilla – Wife of King Charles III, formally styled as Her Majesty The Queen, but also referred to as Mrs.
Hillary Clinton – Former Secretary of State, known as Mrs. Bill Clinton in traditional contexts.
Melania Trump – Former First Lady, publicly addressed as Mrs. Donald Trump during official events.
Catherine, Princess of Wales – Married to Prince William, often styled as Mrs. William Wales in private matters.
Amal Clooney – Human rights lawyer, professionally known as Mrs. George Clooney in social circles.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter – Singer, uses Mrs. Carter in some professional contexts, reflecting her marriage.
Jill Biden – First Lady of the United States, publicly known as Dr. Jill Biden, but also addressed as Mrs. Biden.
Serena Williams – Tennis champion, married to Alexis Ohanian, and addressed as Mrs. Ohanian in formal events.

Advantages and Limitations of Mrs

Advantages	Limitations
Clearly communicates marital status in formal settings, reducing ambiguity in social interactions.	Assumes a woman's identity is tied to marriage, which may feel outdated or restrictive to some.
Provides a traditional and respectful address that aligns with cultural norms in many societies.	Reveals personal marital information that some women prefer to keep private in professional environments.
Allows for consistency when paired with a husband's surname, simplifying naming conventions in paperwork.	Creates confusion when a woman keeps her maiden name but still uses Mrs, leading to inconsistent usage.
Offers a clear distinction from Miss, helping others address women correctly in formal correspondence.	Lacks a neutral option, forcing women to disclose marital status when they may not want to.
Honors historical traditions and etiquette rules that many older generations still value deeply.	Can be perceived as sexist because it defines women by their relationship to a man, unlike Mr.
Works well in legal documents where marital status is relevant, such as insurance or tax forms.	Pronunciation differs from spelling, causing spelling errors in written communication.
Provides a familiar and comfortable title for women who embrace traditional family structures.	May cause awkwardness for divorced or widowed women who no longer feel the title applies.
Pairs naturally with "Mr." for couples, creating symmetrical and recognizable formal address.	Offers no indication of professional credentials, unlike Dr. or Professor, which may be preferred.
Widely recognized across English-speaking countries, ensuring universal understanding of its meaning.	Usage varies by region, leading to confusion in international contexts where Ms is preferred.
Allows women to signal a committed relationship in social settings without lengthy explanations.	Cannot be used for unmarried women, limiting its applicability in many everyday situations.

Similarities Between Miss and Mrs

Shared Aspect	How Miss and Mrs Are Alike
Gender designation	Both Miss and Mrs are feminine honorifics used exclusively for female-identifying adults in English-speaking cultures.
Pronunciation origin	Miss and Mrs both derive from the word "Mistress," sharing a common etymological root in Middle English.
Formal address	Miss and Mrs both serve as formal titles of respect when addressing women in professional or social correspondence.
Marital status signal	Both Miss and Mrs communicate a woman's marital status, though they indicate different states within that category.
Written abbreviation	Miss and Mrs both have standard written abbreviations (Ms. for Miss, Mrs.) used in official documents and letters.
Name combination	Miss and Mrs both precede a woman's surname or full name, such as Miss Smith or Mrs. Smith.
Cultural ubiquity	Miss and Mrs are both recognized and used across all English-speaking nations, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
Age neutrality	Both Miss and Mrs apply to adult women of any age; neither title is restricted to a specific age bracket.
Legal recognition	Miss and Mrs both appear on government-issued identification, passports, and legal forms as acceptable title options.
Social etiquette	Miss and Mrs both require correct usage in formal invitations, introductions, and ceremonial events to show proper respect.
Historical continuity	Both Miss and Mrs have been used continuously for centuries, maintaining their role in social hierarchy and politeness norms.
Educational settings	Miss and Mrs both appear in school environments, where female teachers may be addressed by either title depending on their preference.
Workplace usage	Miss and Mrs both function in professional contexts, appearing on business cards, email signatures, and meeting introductions.
Family communication	Both Miss and Mrs are used within family and community circles to address women respectfully, especially in traditional settings.
Feminist debate	Miss and Mrs both participate in ongoing discussions about gender equality, as both reveal marital status unlike the neutral "Ms."
Translation equivalence	Miss and Mrs both translate into equivalent honorifics in other languages, such as "Señorita" and "Señora" in Spanish.
Phonetic simplicity	Both Miss and Mrs are short, monosyllabic titles that are easy to pronounce and remember in everyday speech.
Formal letter salutation	Miss and Mrs both appear as salutations in formal letters, such as "Dear Miss Johnson" or "Dear Mrs. Johnson."
Newspaper style	Miss and Mrs both follow specific style guide rules in journalism, where they are used with surnames in news articles.
Wedding terminology	Miss and Mrs both relate to wedding contexts, with Miss used before marriage and Mrs. after, but both appear on wedding stationery.
Social class neutrality	Miss and Mrs both apply to women of any social class, economic background, or professional standing without distinction.
Regional variation	Both Miss and Mrs have regional pronunciation variations, such as "Missus" for Mrs. in some dialects, yet remain universally understood.
Generational usage	Miss and Mrs both see continued use across generations, though younger women may prefer "Ms." for privacy reasons.
Public speaking	Miss and Mrs both appear in public speaking contexts, such as introducing a female speaker or addressing a female dignitary.
Customer service	Miss and Mrs both are used in hospitality and retail settings to address female customers politely and professionally.
Documentation forms	Miss and Mrs both appear as checkbox options on forms, surveys, and applications where gender and title information is collected.
Literary representation	Miss and Mrs both appear frequently in literature, from classic novels to modern fiction, to denote character social standing.
Religious ceremonies	Miss and Mrs both are used in religious contexts, such as church directories, wedding ceremonies, and baptism records.
Respectful connotation	Miss and Mrs both carry an inherent tone of respect and politeness that distinguishes them from using a first name alone.
Long-term social role	Both Miss and Mrs maintain their social function over a woman's lifetime, with the choice reflecting personal preference or marital state.

Miss or Mrs: Which Should You Choose?

The single deciding variable is marital status: use Miss for unmarried women and Mrs for married women. If unsure, Ms is always the safe, neutral fallback. For formal invitations, professional correspondence, or addressing strangers, the title must match the woman’s stated preference, not your assumption.

When to Use Miss

Choose Miss when addressing an unmarried woman, a girl under 18, or a woman who explicitly prefers this title. Use it in school settings, debutante announcements, or casual introductions. It carries no age limit, so a 60-year-old single woman can correctly be Miss. Avoid it if she uses her maiden name professionally but is married.

When to Use Mrs

Choose Mrs when addressing a married woman, a widow, or a divorcee who retains her former husband’s surname. Use it on wedding invitations, medical forms, or formal business letters where she has indicated marriage. It also applies to same-sex spouses legally wed. Never assume Mrs from a wedding ring; verify her preference first.

Common Myth	The Reality
"Miss" and "Mrs" are interchangeable titles for any adult woman.	Miss denotes an unmarried woman, while Mrs denotes a married woman; using the wrong title causes social offense.
"Mrs" always indicates a woman who took her husband's surname.	Mrs simply signals marital status; a woman may keep her birth name or hyphenate while still using Mrs.
"Miss" is only correct for girls under 18 years old.	Miss applies to any unmarried adult woman, regardless of age, from 18 to 100 years old.
"Mrs" is pronounced exactly like "miss" with an extra "r" sound.	Mrs is pronounced "miss-iz" or "miss-us," never with a hard "r," unlike the word "mister."
Using "Miss" for a married woman is always a harmless mistake.	Calling a married woman Miss can imply she is unmarried or single, which many find disrespectful in formal settings.
"Mrs" is the female equivalent of "Mr" in every context.	Mr does not reveal marital status, but Mrs does; the true male equivalent of Miss is Master, not Mr.
A divorced woman must stop using "Mrs" immediately.	Divorced women may keep Mrs, revert to Miss, or adopt Ms; no legal rule forces a specific title after divorce.
"Miss" is a title only for single women who have never been married.	Miss also applies to widows who choose not to remarry, though many widows prefer Mrs or Ms instead.
"Mrs" is required on all legal documents for married women.	Legal documents typically use Ms or full name; Mrs is a social courtesy, not a legal requirement.
"Miss" and "Mrs" are the only two options for addressing women.	Ms serves as a marital-status-neutral alternative, suitable when you do not know a woman's situation.
"Mrs" always means the woman is older than a "Miss."	Age and marital status are unrelated; a 25-year-old bride is Mrs, while a 60-year-old single woman is Miss.
Writing "Miss" or "Mrs" on an envelope is a trivial detail.	Envelope titles signal respect and attention; a wrong title can undermine formal invitations or business correspondence.
"Mrs" is the correct title for a female doctor or professor.	Professional titles like Dr or Professor override marital titles; using Mrs for a physician is incorrect and demeaning.
"Miss" is a diminutive or childish form of address.	Miss is a formal adult title, not a nickname; it carries equal weight to Mrs in professional and social contexts.
A same-sex married woman cannot use "Mrs."	Mrs applies to any married woman regardless of spouse's gender; many lesbian couples use Mrs or Ms freely.
"Mrs" must match the surname on a woman's passport or ID.	Passports rarely list titles; a woman may use Mrs with a maiden name or professional name without legal conflict.
"Miss" is always written with a period after it.	Miss is not an abbreviation, so it never takes a period; Mrs and Ms do take periods in American English.
"Mrs" is the only title that shows a woman owns property or has status.	Historical property laws tied women to husbands, but modern Miss and Mrs carry no legal or financial meaning.
You can guess a woman's title from her age or ring finger.	Rings are not reliable; many married women skip rings, and single women wear rings for fashion or sentiment.
"Mrs" is outdated and should never be used in modern workplaces.	Mrs remains standard in many industries and cultures; Ms is optional, not mandatory, for professional women.
"Miss" is the default title for all female teachers, regardless of marriage.	Teachers may prefer Miss, Mrs, or Ms; assuming Miss for all female educators ignores their actual marital status.
"Mrs" and "Ms" are pronounced identically in conversation.	Mrs is "miss-iz" with two syllables, while Ms is "miz" with one syllable; they sound clearly different.
A widow automatically becomes "Miss" after her husband dies.	Widows typically retain Mrs to honor the deceased spouse, though some choose Miss or Ms for personal reasons.
"Miss" is used for women in customer service, but "Mrs" for clients.	Title choice depends on the woman's preference, not her role; using Miss for staff and Mrs for clients is classist.
"Mrs" is the female version of "Master" for young boys.	Master applies to unmarried boys, while Mrs applies to married women; Miss is the true female counterpart of Master.
You should always ask a woman her title before addressing her.	Asking can be awkward; using Ms as a neutral default is polite, and correcting later is acceptable if you err.
"Miss" and "Mrs" have identical meanings in British and American English.	British English uses Miss for unmarried and Mrs for married, but Ms is more common in the UK for unknown status.
A transgender woman must use "Miss" if she is unmarried.	Transgender women choose their own titles; Miss, Mrs, or Ms should match their gender identity and preference, not assumptions.
"Mrs" is a title of subordination, implying a woman belongs to her husband.	Mrs historically indicated coverture, but modern usage simply denotes marriage; it carries no legal subordination today.
If you do not know a woman's status, "Miss" is the safer guess.	Ms is the safest neutral option; guessing Miss risks misgendering or implying unmarried status when unknown.

Conclusion

Difference Between Miss and Mrs comes down to marital status: Miss denotes an unmarried woman, while Mrs denotes a married woman. Use Miss for single women or generic professional contexts; use Mrs for married women or those who explicitly prefer it. When unsure, default to Ms. to avoid assumptions.

FAQs on Difference Between Miss and Mrs

What is the difference between Miss and Mrs?: Miss is a title for an unmarried woman, while Mrs is a title for a married woman; the distinction centers on marital status, not age or profession.
Which title is better, Miss or Mrs?: Neither is better; the correct choice depends solely on the woman's marital status, so use Miss for unmarried women and Mrs for married women to show respect.
Does using Miss or Mrs cost anything?: No, using Miss or Mrs is completely free in everyday speech and writing, as these are honorifics that carry no financial charge or official fee.
Is it safe to use Mrs for a divorced woman?: Yes, it is safe to use Mrs for a divorced woman if she kept her married name, but many prefer Miss or Ms, so ask politely when uncertain.
Can I use Miss and Mrs interchangeably?: No, you cannot use Miss and Mrs interchangeably because they signal different marital statuses, and mixing them up can cause confusion or unintentional offense.
What is a common mistake people make with Miss and Mrs?: A common mistake is assuming Mrs is for older women or Miss for younger ones, but age is irrelevant—only marital status determines which title is correct.
Are Miss and Mrs compatible with professional titles?: Yes, Miss and Mrs are compatible with professional titles like Doctor or Professor, but in formal settings, use the higher professional title first, then the marital honorific.
How do I choose Miss or Mrs for a wedding invitation?: For a wedding invitation, use Miss for unmarried female guests and Mrs for married female guests, matching each woman's current marital status exactly.
Can I switch from Miss to Mrs after marriage?: Yes, you can switch from Miss to Mrs immediately after marriage, and you should update your title on legal documents, subscriptions, and professional records promptly.
Does Miss apply to young girls or only adult women?: Miss applies to both young girls and unmarried adult women, but for girls under 18, it is the standard title, while adult women may prefer Ms.