- used as a polite way of addressing a man whose name you do not know, for example in a shop or restaurant
- Good morning, sir. Can I help you?
- Are you ready to order, sir?
- ‘Thank you very much.’ ‘You're welcome, sir. Have a nice day.’
Definitions on the go
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- Dear Sir/Sirsused at the beginning of a formal business letter when you do not know the name of the man or people that you are dealing with
- Dear Sir/Sirs
- Dear Sir or Madam
- Sira title that is used before the first name of a man who has received one of the highest British honours (= a knight), or before the first name of a baronet
- Sir Paul McCartney
- Thank you, Sir Paul.
- used as a form of address to a man in a position of authority, especially in the armed forces
- ‘Report to me tomorrow, corporal!’ ‘Yes, sir!’
- (British English) used as a form of address by children in school to a male teacher
- Please, sir, can I open a window?
Word OriginMiddle English: reduced form of sire.
Idioms
See sir in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionaryno sir! | no siree!
- (informal, especially North American English) certainly not
- We will never allow that to happen! No sir!
yes sir! | yes siree!
- (informal, especially North American English) used to emphasize that something is true
- That's a fine car you have. Yes sir!
Check pronunciation:
sir