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

Mr Edwards has written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to express his concern and has asked for an in-person meeting.

From BBC

Sir David Behan, the OfS chairman, says a university going bust “isn’t imminent now”, but to reduce the risk higher education needs to be “radically reimagined”.

From BBC

Sir Tom, from New Cumnock in East Ayrshire, started in business selling trainers from the back of a van but eventually built a property and equity business once valued at more than £1bn.

From BBC

Sir Percival David was born into a wealthy family in Bombay in 1892 and inherited a baronetcy from his father, as well as ownership of the family company.

From BBC

Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told the BBC he was "deeply troubled" by talks so far on its annual settlement for next year.

From BBC

Related Words

• mister