How to Pronounce Sir

To pronounce "sir", say SIR — one syllable, IPA /ˈsə(ɹ)/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

sir

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/ˈsə(ɹ)/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “sir”

"sir" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with infer and concur, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: sur — easy to mix up when writing.

What does sir mean?

noun

  1. A man of a higher rank or position.
  2. A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position, particularly:

verb

  1. To address (someone) using "sir".

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

Hear “sir” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with sir

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

inferconcurstirdeferincurtransferslurspurdemurcurburrconnoisseur

Related words

mastergentlemanchiefcommandingbosssignoreexcellencyknight

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "sir"?▾

"Sir" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "sir"?▾

The IPA transcription of "sir" is /ˈsə(ɹ)/.

What does "sir" mean?▾

Sir: A man of a higher rank or position.

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