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

Sir

²

/ 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

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

After winning power, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer scrapped the previous Tory government's plan to send some migrants to Rwanda, which aimed to discourage crossings.

From BBC

Sir Keir Starmer has said he has "no plans" to join the Bluesky social media platform.

From BBC

Sir Keir Starmer has promised Russia's "irresponsible rhetoric" on nuclear weapons will not affect UK support for Ukraine.

From BBC

Speaking at the G20 summit, Sir Keir said the UK would "ensure Ukraine has what is needed for as long as needed".

From BBC

Speaking of how there had already been "1,000 days of sacrifice", Sir Keir said the UK would continue to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to fight the war "for as long as it needs".

From BBC

Related Words

• mister