sir

noun

1. 1

   A man of a higher rank or position.

2. 2

   A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position, particularly

   Jeeves: Foreign travel often liberates emotions best kept in check, sir. The air of North America is notoriously stimulating in this regard, as witness the regrettable behavior of its inhabitants in 1776. B. Wooster: Hm? What happened in 1776, Jeeves? Jeeves: I prefer not to dwell on it, if it's convenient to you, sir.

3. 3

   A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position to a knight or other low member of the peerage.

   Just be careful. He gets whingy now if you don't address him as Sir John.

4. 4

   A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position to a superior military officer.

   Sir, yes sir.

5. 5

   A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position to a teacher.

   Here's my report, sir.

6. 6

   A respectful term of address to an adult male (often older), especially if his name or proper title is unknown.

   Excuse me, sir, do you know the way to the art museum?

   Knowledge, sir, should be free to all!

verb

1. 1

   informalTo address another individual using "sir".

   Sir, yes, sir! —Don't you sir me, private! I work for a living!

   Don't "Sir" me, young man, you have no idea who you're dealing with!

Forms

plural

sirs

past tense

sirred

past participle

sirred

present participle

sirring

third person singular

sirs