noun
sir
A respectful form of address for a man.
“May I help you find your seat, sir?” the usher asks.
Etymology
Sir is a shortened form of sire. A title for a lord broadened into a conventional respectful address for a man.
More examples
- Thank you for waiting, sir.
- Excuse me, sir, you dropped your wallet.
- Yes, sir, I understand the instructions.
Forms
sir · sirs
Similar words
- mister
- Less formal and sometimes rude when used without a name.