"Ms" or "Ms." (normally , but also appearing as , , or when unstressed) is an English honorific used with the last name or full name of a woman, intended as a default form of address for women regardless of their marital status. Like "Miss" and "Mrs.", the term "Ms." has its origins in the female English title once used for all women, "Mistress". It was invented (and revived/reinvented) in the 20th century. Various plural forms used are "Mss.", "Mses.", and "Mmes."