sir

A polite word used when speaking or writing directly to a man.

• Can I help you, sir?
• Thank you, sir, for your time.
• Dear Sir, I am writing about your advertisement.

Common phrases: excuse me sir, thank you sir, dear sir, yes sir

A title placed before the first name of a man who has received a special British honour.

• Sir Paul attended the ceremony.
• The letter was addressed to Sir David.
• Do you know why he is called Sir Richard?

How to use it: Sir + first name (Sir David opened the exhibition.)

Common phrases: Sir Paul, Sir David

A man who has authority over others or holds a higher social position.

• The servant waited for his sir.
• The young sir ordered the horses ready.
• His sir expected complete obedience.

Similar words: master, superior

Common phrases: his sir, the young sir

To address someone using the polite word usually spoken to a man.

• Do not sir me.
• He sirred the officer at every opportunity.
• She disliked being sirred by strangers.

Common phrases: sir someone, sir me