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

"Once you are known, the name begins not to matter. People look at the person behind the name. To my familiars, I was just 'Monsieur Charles'. So I decided to keep it," he said.

From BBC

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

From Literature

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.

From Literature

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.

From Literature

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

From Literature

Related Words

• mister