mister

¹ American  

[mis-ter] / ˈmɪs tər /

noun

1. Mister, a conventional title of respect for a man, prefixed to the name and to certain official designations (usually written as the abbreviationMr. ).

2. Informal. sir (used in direct address and not followed by the name of the man addressed).

   Mister, is this your umbrella?

3. Mister, a title prefixed to a mock surname that is used to represent possession of a particular attribute, identity, etc..

   Mister Know-it-all.

4. the informal or social title used in addressing a military warrant officer or any naval officer below the rank of commander.

5. (especially in military schools and colleges)

   1. a term of respect used by cadets in addressing upperclassmen: used with surname.

   2. a term of disparagement used by upperclassmen in addressing cadets.

      Mister, tuck in that shirttail!

6. Older Use. husband.

   You and the mister staying long?

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verb (used with object)

1. to address or speak of as “mister” or “Mr.”

mister ² American  

[mis-ter] / ˈmɪs tər /

noun

1. a spray, nozzle, or similar device for misting plants.

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mister ¹ British  

/ ˈmɪstə /

noun

1. an informal form of address for a man

2. navy

   1. the official form of address for subordinate or senior warrant officers

   2. the official form of address for all officers in a merchant ship, other than the captain

   3. navy the official form of address used by the commanding officer to his officers, esp to the more junior

3. the form of address for a surgeon

4. the form of address for officials holding certain positions

   mister chairman

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verb

1. informal (tr) to call (someone) mister

Mister ² British  

/ ˈmɪstə /

noun

1. the full form of Mr

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Etymology

Origin of mister¹

First recorded in 1545–55; variant of master

Origin of mister²

First recorded in 1970–75; mist + -er ¹

Example Sentences

“I ain’t surprised, mister,” Glenn replied.

From Literature

“I’ll tell you why, Russell Culver. Because it’s time you set some kind of example for Lloyd. It’s high time you stopped being little brother to me and started being big brother to him. He’d look up to you if there was anything to look up to. And remember this, mister: Everything you can get away with will be Lloyd’s burden. Every mistake you make will be his excuse.”

From Literature

In the 1950s, a CEO sending a letter would most likely speak into a Dictaphone, and the recording would be painstakingly transcribed by a secretary, said Thomas Farley, an etiquette and communications expert who goes by Mister Manners.

From The Wall Street Journal

These creations are not from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

From Los Angeles Times

The agreement values Mister Car Wash at $3.1 billion and delivers stockholders a 29% premium to the average share price over the last 90 days.

From Barron's