"Mrs." is a title used before a woman's last name or full name to indicate that she is married. It is a traditional form of address that signifies a woman's marital status, distinguishing her from "Miss," which is used for unmarried women, and "Ms.," which can be used regardless of marital status. The use of "Mrs." dates back to the 17th century and has evolved over time. In formal settings, it is often accompanied by the husband's last name, such as "Mrs. John Smith," although many women prefer to use their own last name, like "Mrs. Smith." This title is commonly used in various cultures and languages, reflecting social norms regarding marriage.