Sir

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /sɜː(ɹ)/
• US enPR: sûr, IPA: /sɝ/, sÉš
• Scotland IPA: /sɪr/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)

Origin

From Middle English sir, from Old French sire ("master, sir, lord"), from Latin senior ("older, elder"), from senex ("old"). Compare sire, signor, seignior, señor.

Noun

1. A man of a higher rank or position.
2. An address to a military superior of either sex.Yes sir.
3. An address to any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown.Excuse me, sir, could you tell me where the nearest bookstore is?

Derived terms

• sirrah
• sirree
• siree

Related terms

• senior
• senex
• senate

Full definition of sir

Verb

1. To address (someone) using "sir"."Right this way, sir." — "You don't have to sir me."He sirred me! Do I really look that masculine just because I'm wearing a tie?

Coordinate terms

• ma'am, mam

Anagrams

• IRS
• ISR
• RSI