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APG.American
Pronunciation Guide
HOW TO PRONOUNCE

mister

/ˈmɪstəɹ/

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What does mister mean?

noun

  1. Alternative spelling of Mister, especially when used as a form of address without a name.
  2. A man.

verb

  1. To address by the title of "mister".
More meanings (17)

noun

  1. A device that makes or sprays mist.
  2. With a surname.
  3. With a full name.
  4. With a first name only.
  5. An official form of address to a male president of a nation.
  6. A formal address to any male official of an organization.
  7. An official title of a military man, usually anyone below rank of captain.
  8. A male warrant officer or cadet in the United States Military Academy at West Point.
  9. An informal title that is used to create a nickname, placeholder name, or other moniker for a male.
  10. A title used to designate the (male) winner of certain kinds of competition.
  11. Used by itself as a familiar term of address to a man whose name is unknown, or sometimes even if the name is known.
  12. (obsolete) Someone's business or function; an occupation, employment, trade.
  13. (archaic) A kind, type of.
  14. (obsolete) Need (of something).
  15. (obsolete) Necessity; the necessary time.

proper noun

  1. A surname.

verb

  1. (obsolete) To be necessary; to matter.
Wiktionary contributors Wiktionary contributors

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈmɪstəɹ/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

“Say, mister,” said a voice at Hurstwood’s side, “would you mind giving me the price of a bed?”
Theodore DreiserSister Carrie: A NovelProject Gutenberg ebook #233
“Don’t, for Heaven’s sake, Mister me any more. I have hastened back so soon because of you!”
Thomas HardyTess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure WomanProject Gutenberg ebook #110
More book examples (3)
“Then let me tell you I don't think it at all polite of you to say Mister to me.”
George MacDonaldAt the Back of the North WindProject Gutenberg ebook #225
“Now, then, mister,” said he, with his head cocked and his arms akimbo, “what are you driving at? Let’s have it straight, now.”
Arthur Conan DoyleThe Adventures of Sherlock HolmesProject Gutenberg ebook #1661
It is human nature to love change and variety, and for every person to be designated "Mister" is too tame and flat for the go-ahead Americans.
Tingfang WuAmerica, Through the Spectacles of an Oriental DiplomatProject Gutenberg ebook #609