monsieur

[muhs-yur, muh-syœ]

noun

plural

messieurs 

1. the conventional French title of respect and term of address for a man, corresponding to Mr. or sir.

monsieur

/ məsˈjɜː, məsjø /

noun

1. a French title of address equivalent to sir when used alone or Mr when placed before a name

Word History and Origins

Origin of monsieur¹

1490–1500; < French: literally, my lord (originally applied only to men of high station); sire

Word History and Origins

Origin of monsieur¹

literally: my lord

Example Sentences

Monsieur Dumas was French, but Penelope had read the book in English, for it was extremely popular and had been translated into many languages.

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For example, Monsieur Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that people were basically generous and kind, and that disagreeable behavior was caused by a poor upbringing and the corrupting influence of civilization.

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He was born in Switzerland, and we can only guess how he felt about edelweiss and alpine scenery, but about one thing we can be certain: Monsieur Rousseau had never met Admiral Faucet.

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“Oui, monsieur Un peu,” I answered, telling him that I spoke French a little bit.

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One coveted offering is a suite above the Christian Dior flagship store in Paris that can be rented, and includes an after-hours shopping excursion and a private dinner at Monsieur Dior restaurant.

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Related Words

• mister