mister

1 of 2

noun (1)

mis·​ter ˈmi-stər How to pronounce mister (audio)
 for sense 1  ˌmi-stər,
 or in rapid speech  (ˌ)mis(t)
1
capitalized : mr.
used sometimes in writing instead of Mr.
2
: sir
used without a name as a generalized term of direct address of a man who is a stranger
hey, mister, do you want to buy a paper
3

mister

2 of 2

noun (2)

mist·​er ˈmi-stər How to pronounce mister (audio)
: a device for spraying a mist

Examples of mister in a Sentence

Noun (1) I'll check with the mister and see if we're free that weekend
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Well, there’s a different issue for houseplant parents who must wander their indoor jungles with watering cans, misters, fertilizers and pruners and then find a place to store them. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 Create shallow birdbaths or misters to provide them with a water source. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024 The former will get your children soaked thanks to several sprinklers, misters, and a bucket of water—which dumps approximately every five minutes—and the latter? Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 1 Oct. 2024 In the meantime, remember to dress in loose, breathable layers (preferably with moisture-wicking materials), find shade when possible, and use cooling products like portable fans or water misters when out and about. Katie Camero, SELF, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for mister 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of master entry 1

Noun (2)

mist entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mister was in 1551

Dictionary Entries Near mister

Cite this Entry

“Mister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mister. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

mister

1 of 2 noun
mis·​ter ˈmis-tər How to pronounce mister (audio)
 for sense 1  ˌmis-tər
1
used sometimes in writing instead of Mr.
2
: sir sense 2
used without a name as a term of direct address of a man who is a stranger
hey, mister, do you want to buy a paper?

mister

2 of 2 noun
mist·​er ˈmis-tər How to pronounce mister (audio)
: a device for spraying a mist
Etymology

Noun

an altered form of master

Noun

2mist "to cover with a mist" and 2-er "one that does (a specified action)"

More from Merriam-Webster on mister

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!