sir
//sɜː//
informalForms
- Plural
- sirs
- present (v1)
- sir
- past (v2)
- sirred
- past participle (v3)
- sirred
- present participle
- sirring
- 3rd person singular
- sirs
Definitions
1.A man of a higher rank or position.
- We have something special for you, sir.
2.A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position, particularly
- We have something special for you, sir.
3.A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position
- Just be careful. He gets whingy now if you don't address him as Sir John.
4.A respectful term of address to an adult male (often older), especially if his name or proper title is unknown.
- Knowledge, sir, should be free to all!
- Excuse me, sir, do you know the way to the art museum?
1.To address another individual using "sir".(informal)
- Sir, yes, sir! , Don't you sir me, private! I work for a living!
- Don't "Sir" me, young man, you have no idea who you're dealing with!
Frequency
Overall
Common· #784
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Common
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Uncommon
Etymology
From Middle English sir, unstressed form of sire, borrowed from Old French sire (“master, sir, lord”), from Latin senior (“older, elder”), from senex (“old”).
Doublet of seigneur, seignior, senhor, senior, señor, senyor, signore, and sire.