Definition of SIR

sir

Plural: sirs

Noun

  • A respectful form of address for a man.
  • term of address for a man
  • a title used before the name of knight or baronet
  • A man of a higher rank or position.
  • A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position, particularly
  • A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position
  • to a knight or other low member of the peerage.
  • A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position
  • to a superior military officer.
  • A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position
  • to a teacher.
  • A respectful term of address to an adult male (often older), especially if his name or proper title is unknown.

Verb

  • To address another individual using "sir".

Examples

  • Addressing his opponent as ’Sir’ after a crushing victory was a polite jab.
  • Excuse me, sir, do you know the way to the art museum?
  • Here's my report, sir.
  • Just be careful. He gets whingy now if you don't address him as Sir John.
  • Sir, yes sir.
  • Sir, yes, sir! —Don't you sir me, private! I work for a living!

Origin / 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.

Scrabble Score: 3

sir: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
sir: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
sir: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 3

sir: valid Words With Friends Word