monsieur

American  

[muhs-yur, muh-syœ] / məsˈyɜr, məˈsyœ /

noun

plural

messieurs

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

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monsieur British  

/ məsˈjɜː, məsjø /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of monsieur

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

Example Sentences

France’s croque monsieur: The classic toasted sandwich with ham, cheese and béchamel sauce.

From BBC • May 10, 2023

Lightning struck twice when Bernath took the classic tuna melt and elevated it by giving it a French croque monsieur treatment.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2022

The Julia Child Challenge In the season finale, the three finalists prepare four-course meals from Child’s classic recipes: a croque monsieur, duck a l’orange, boeuf bourguignon and a croquembouche.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2022

There’s a counter for prepared items; some sandwiches like croque monsieur are cooked to order.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2022

But monsieur could not wait even a ‘flash of time’, and in the middle of the speech departed to find mademoiselle himself.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Related Words

• mister