Miss (pronounced ) is an English language
honorific traditionally used only for an unmarried woman (not using another title such as "
Doctor" or "
Dame"). Originating in the 17th century, it is a contraction of
mistress, which was used for all women. A period is not used to signify the contraction. Its counterparts are
Mrs., usually used only for married women, and
Ms., which can be used for married or unmarried women.