sir

Universal Words noun 1 used as a polite way of addressing a man whose name you do not know, for example in a shop/store or restaurant, or to show respect: Good morning, sir. Can I help you? * Are you ready to order, sir? * 'Report to me tomorrow, corporal!' 'Yes, sir!' * 'Thank you very much.' 'You're welcome, sir. Have a nice day.' compareMA'AM seealsoMADAM 2 (Dear Sir / Sirs) used 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 3 (Sir) a 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. compareLADY 4 (BrE) used as a form of address by children in school to a male teacher: Please, sir, can I open a window? compareMISS IDIOMS no sir!