sir

Sir is a respectful form of address for a man or a term for a gentleman. When capitalized, Sir is used as a title for a knight. The word sir has a few other senses as a noun.

Sir is a respectful term used to address a man. Sir is especially likely to be used to refer to a person of higher rank or authority. In this sense, sir is the male equivalent of madam or ma’am.

• Real-life examples: Waiters or other service workers are very likely to use sir when addressing male customers. Members of the military will refer to superior officers as sir or ma’am when not using their title or rank. A person may refer to their boss or manager as sir.
• Used in a sentence: The recruits answered the drill sergeant with a loud “Sir, yes, sir!”

Sir can also be used to refer to a gentleman or a lord, especially in a formal setting.

• Used in a sentence: I meant no offense to the good sir or his noble family.

The capitalized Sir indicates that a man is a knight or a baronet.

• Real-life examples: Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain were two of the knights who served the legendary King Arthur. Sir Isaac Newton and Sir Walter Raleigh are famous historical figures who were knighted. Sir Sean Connery, Sir Patrick Stewart, and Sir Ian McKellan are three modern actors who were knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
• Used in a sentence: Because Gregory had served Great Britain loyally for over 50 years, he was knighted and became Sir Gregory.

The first records of sir come from around 1250. It comes from Middle English and is an unstressed variant of the word sire, another formal term of address for men.

What are some other forms related to sir?

• sirs (plural noun)

What are some synonyms for sir?

• monsieur
• mister

What are some words that share a root or word element with sir? 

• sire

What are some words that often get used in discussing sir?

• you
• excuse me
• title
• respect
• formality

What are some words sir may be commonly confused with?

• sire

Sir is a common form of address used for men, especially by people showing respect or formality.

Still doesn’t feel right when younger people call me sir. I keep forgetting I’m almost 30 #oldheadtweet

— gustavo (@gustakko) December 9, 2020

My dad told me to keep my hands on the wheel and answer "Yes sir, no sir" if I'm ever pulled over by the police.

Every parent should tell their children that.

— Larry O'Connor (@LarryOConnor) October 23, 2020

Sir, competence is embodied in character

— Tripp_in (@tripp___in) February 24, 2021

True or False?

Sir is a formal title that indicates that a man is a captain of a ship.