monsieur

[ muhs-yur; French muh-syœ ]

noun

, plural mes·sieurs [meys-, yurz, mes, -erz, me-, syœ].

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

Although Mr Barnier is still primarily known as Monsieur Brexit, President Macron is likely to have chosen him because they are both from the pro-European establishment and share the same right-wing leanings on the economic front.

From BBC

Known in France as Monsieur Brexit, Mr Barnier will be France's oldest prime minister since the Fifth Republic came into being in 1958.

From BBC

He called Frantz Elbé, director of Haiti’s National Police, incapable and incompetent: “Monsieur Elbé has failed.”

From Seattle Times

“Monsieur Archer?” he asked, calling Mother by his cover name.

From Literature

“They signify works from Monsieur Sinclair’s personal collection,” explained Gilles.

From Literature

Related Words

• mister