sir

[ sur ]

noun

1. a respectful or formal term of address used to a man:

   No, sir.

2. (initial capital letter) the distinctive title of a knight or baronet:

   Sir Walter Scott.

3. (initial capital letter) a title of respect for some notable personage of ancient times:

   Sir Pandarus of Troy.

4. a lord or gentleman:

   noble sirs and ladies.

5. an ironic or humorous title of respect:

   sir critic.

6. Archaic. a title of respect used before a noun to designate profession, rank, etc.:

   sir priest; sir clerk.

Sir

¹

/ sɜː /

noun

1. a title of honour placed before the name of a knight or baronet

   Sir Walter Raleigh

2. archaic.
   a title placed before the name of a figure from ancient history

sir

²

/ sɜː /

noun

1. a formal or polite term of address for a man
2. archaic.
   a gentleman of high social status

Word History and Origins

Origin of sir¹

1250–1300; Middle English; unstressed variant of sire

Word History and Origins

Origin of sir¹

C13: variant of sire

Example Sentences

Now that he was Sir Alfred, there was one final blast of publicity.

From The Daily Beast

After his knighthood, I stop by to see him and call him Sir Alfred.

From The Daily Beast

De Mena offers me a glass of Sir Francis Drake, Casa Bruja's red ale.

From The Daily Beast

Sir Bob, 63, responded with his usual colorful language to his critics.

From The Daily Beast

Good old Sir Bob Geldof stepping into the breach again to raise money for crisis-hit Africa?

From The Daily Beast

The old man seemed to be greatly agitated, and hurriedly whispering, "We thought you were never coming, sir!"

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Pickwick—deepest obligations—life preserver—made a man of me—you shall never repent it, sir.

From Project Gutenberg

Sir Cadge was about the same age as the famous beauty, and rose quite two inches above her lofty head.

From Project Gutenberg

I wouldn't go on if I were you, sir; the luck's dead against you to-night; I wouldn't go on, indeed I wouldn't.

From Project Gutenberg

No, Sir, said the other, nothing at all except the enjoyment of your good company: and so gave over importuning him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• mister