sir

Pluralsirs

Formssirs, sirring, sirred

1. 1
   polite addressnoun

   A polite word used when speaking to a man, especially a stranger, boss, teacher, or officer.

   Like saying 'mister' to a stranger so you sound polite.

   Excuse me, sir, you dropped your wallet near the door.

   The clerk nodded and said, 'Right this way, sir.'

   UsageUse it alone: Yes, sir. With a family name, say Mr: Mr Brown.

   Note
2. 2
   knight's titlenoun

   A title used before the first name of a knight or baronet.

   We were introduced to Sir Walter at the garden party.

   She curtsied and greeted Sir Edmund warmly.

   UsagePut it before the first name: Sir Walter, not before the family name alone.

   Oppositedame

3. 3
   call by titleverbcolloquialtransitive

   To call someone 'sir' when you speak to them.

   Don't sir me. I'm just a coworker, not your boss.

   Please don't sir me. I'm only a few years older than you.

   UsagePeople mostly say Don't sir me. Write sirred and sirring with two r's.

   Note

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