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sir

/sər/
/sə/
IPA guide

Other forms: sirs

Use the word sir as a formal title for a man. People often use sir to respectfully or politely address someone they don't know well.

When you're saying hello to a man who's been knighted by the Queen of England, you should call him sir — it's the official way to address a knight. You can also use this word when you're writing a formal business letter: "Dear Sir or Madam, I am interested in applying for a job at your candy company." And if you're a waiter, you might use it too: "Your hamburger, sir."

Definitions of sir
  1. noun
    term of address for a man
    see moresee less
    type of:
    adult male, man
    an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
Pronunciation
US
/sər/
UK
/sə/
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