sir

noun

ˈsər 

1

a

: a man entitled to be addressed as sir

—used as a title before the given name of a knight or baronet and formerly sometimes before the given name of a priest

b

: a man of rank or position

2

a

—used as a usually respectful form of address

b

capitalized

—used as a conventional form of address in the salutation of a letter

Examples of sir in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Apes and apes’ toes, yes, sir … See, this isn’t your standard ape, sir. —Matt Schudel, Washington Post, 18 July 2024

Saying ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir’ also makes assumptions about someone’s gender. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 18 July 2024

But she’s made of iron, sir, and no matter how much Biden and his supporters work those pumps — and this press conference is one of those pumps — this ship will founder.) 20 Minutes Before Presser: Biden is currently at the NATO summit where the press conference will be held. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 July 2024

Thank [you[ kind sir for being a light to the world. —David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from sire

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sir

• sir-reverence

Kids Definition

sir

noun

(ˈ)sər 

1

: a man having the right to be addressed as sir

—used as a title before the given name of a knight or baronet

2

: a title of respect used in addressing a man without using his name

Etymology

Middle English sir "a man of rank or position," from sire "a father," from early French sire "lord, superior," from Latin senior (adjective) "older, elder" — related to senior