{
    "term": "sir",
    "partOfSpeech": "noun",
    "ox3000": true,
    "cefr": "a2",
    "definitions": [
        {
            "senseNumber": 1,
            "definition": "used as a polite way of addressing a man whose name you do not know, for example in a shop or restaurant",
            "cefr": "a2",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Good morning, sir. Can I help you?"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Are you ready to order, sir?"
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘Thank you very much.’ ‘You're welcome, sir. Have a nice day.’"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 2,
            "definition": "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",
            "cefr": "a2",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Dear Sir/Sirs"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Dear Sir or Madam"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 3,
            "definition": "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",
            "cefr": "a2",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Sir Paul McCartney"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Thank you, Sir Paul."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 4,
            "definition": "used as a form of address to a man in a position of authority, especially in the armed forces",
            "cefr": "a2",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘Report to me tomorrow, corporal!’ ‘Yes, sir!’"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 5,
            "definition": "used as a form of address by children in school to a male teacher",
            "labels": "(British English)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Please, sir, can I open a window?"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "certainly not",
            "labels": "(informal, especially North American English)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "We will never allow that to happen! No sir!"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to emphasize that something is true",
            "labels": "(informal, especially North American English)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "That's a fine car you have. Yes sir!"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "pronunciations": {
        "uk": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/sɜː(r)//sə(r)/",
                "audio": "si/sir/sir__gb_1.mp3"
            }
        ],
        "us": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/sɜːr//sər/",
                "audio": "si/sir/sir__us_1.mp3"
            }
        ]
    },
    "wordOrigin": "Middle English: reduced form of sire."
}