Sire Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👑
Add to dictionary

sire

[saɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

formal title

a respectful term of address for a king or a lord

Synonyms

lord, monarch, ruler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sire

Already described.

lord

Typically used to refer to someone with high rank, particularly in a feudal system or in nobility. It can also be a formal title or a term of respect for a deity in religious contexts.

  • 'My lord, your guests have arrived
  • '
monarch

This word is used to refer to a king, queen, or emperor, particularly when emphasizing their role as a sole and supreme ruler of a state or country.

  • 'The monarch addressed the nation in a televised speech
  • '
ruler

General term for someone who governs or reigns over a people or nation, not necessarily with a specified title. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on the nature of their governance.

  • 'The ruler of the distant land was known for his wisdom
  • '

Examples of usage

  • Thank you, sire, for your kind words.
  • The sire of the manor greeted his guests warmly.
Context #2 | Noun

animal breeding

a male parent of an animal, especially a horse

Synonyms

dam, father, stud.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sire

Another use of 'sire' is as an archaic or formal term for addressing a king or other nobleman, though this is less common today.

  • Yes, sire, I will carry out your orders immediately
father

Used in everyday language to refer to the male parent of a child. It can be used in both human and some animal contexts, usually less formal.

  • My father taught me how to ride a bike
stud

Refers to a male animal, typically a horse or dog, kept for breeding. It can also colloquially refer to an attractive and confident man, often with physical prowess, but may carry informal or even objectifying connotations.

  • The stud was brought in to improve the quality of the herd
  • / He's such a stud; everyone admires his looks and charisma
dam

Commonly used in formal breeding contexts, particularly with horses and dogs, to refer to the female parent.

  • The dam of the foal was known for her speed and agility

Examples of usage

  • The sire of the champion racehorse was known for his speed.
  • The foal inherited its coat color from its sire.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'sire'

The word 'sire' originated from the Old French term 'seigneur', meaning 'lord' or 'master'. It was used as a respectful term to address a king or a lord. In animal breeding, 'sire' refers to the male parent of an animal, particularly a horse. The term has been used for centuries to denote respect and lineage.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,442, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.