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DictionarymonsieurPolite address for a man
noun

monsieur

A French title or polite form of address for a man.

Monsieur Martin greets the guests at the door.

Etymology
monFrenchmy
+sieurFrenchlord; sir

The French title literally combines my with lord or sir. What began as a deferential possessive expression became the ordinary polite title for a man.

More examples

  • The waiter addressed him as monsieur.
  • Please come this way, monsieur, she said.
  • The letter began with Monsieur Dupont's name.

Forms

monsieur · messieurs

Similar words

mister
The corresponding English title before a man's name.
sir
An English polite form of direct address.