Sir is a formal honorific address in English for men, derived from Sire in the High Middle Ages. Both are derived from the old French " Sieur " (Lord), brought to England by the French-speaking Normans, …

The meaning of SIR is a man entitled to be addressed as sir —used as a title before the given name of a knight or baronet and formerly sometimes before the given name of a priest.

People sometimes say sir as a very formal and polite way of addressing a man whose name they do not know or a man of superior rank. For example, a shop assistant might address a male customer as sir.

Sir is used at the beginning of a formal letter to a man you do not know: Dear Sir

Jul 15, 2025 · Discover the comprehensive meaning, definition, and etymology of "sir." This glossary entry provides clear examples of its historical and modern usage, perfect for academic exploration.

Sir definition: Used as an honorific before the given name or the full name of baronets and knights.