DBE
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Title and Honorific
| Stands for | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
DBE stands for Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a title and honorific abbreviation.
Female equivalent of KBE, the second class of the Order of the British Empire, entitling the holder to be called "Dame" before her first name. Holders write DBE after their names.
Example: Dame Judith Elmore DBE was honored for services to the performing arts.
Usage notes
A dame's title is used with the first name, as in Dame Judi Dench, never with the surname alone. Honorary damehoods for foreign citizens carry the letters without the title. Other orders use the same "Dame" style at equivalent grades, such as DCMG in the Order of St Michael and St George.