First lady

First Lady or First Gentleman is a title used in some countries, especially presidential republics, most often for the spouse the head of state. Occasionally another relative may be designated in the role, especially for unmarried or widowed officeholders. The term may also be used for the spouses of mayors, governors, et cetera.

In the English-Speaking world, the term is primarily associated with the United States, however the title has also occasionally been used to refer to the spouse of a head of government in some commonwealth countries. The traditional duties and social function of the role of First Lady in many ways echo the role of a queen consort in countries with a monarchy.

Outside of the US, the role is most often found in Latin American countries.

The term First Lady has also seen figurative use to describe a person seen to be at the top of her profession or craft, and is sometimes used in some Christian churches in the United States for the wives of Christian pastors in denominations.

It has been noted that the earliest use of the term "first lady" is in reference to person of a high ranking or outstanding person in their field, and that the term, as used to describe the spouse of the president of the United States, saw its first documented use in 1838 in reference to Martha Washington, who was never referred to as such during George Washington's time as president.

The first person to have been referred to as "first lady" on a regular basis during their time in the position was Harriet Lane, who was actually James Buchanan's niece, as Buchanan was a lifelong bachelor.

The male equivalent of the title in countries where the head of state's spouse has been a man, such as the Philippines or Malta, is first gentleman. In 2020, Doug Emhoff, spouse of Vice President Kamala Harris, became the first male spouse of a U.S. vice president. "First gentleman" is used in the United States for the male spouse of a mayor or governor.

First spouse and first partner, both rare variations of the title, can be used in either case where the spouse of a political leader is of any gender. This term is used to promote gender equality and gender neutrality.