messieurs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Very formal
Quick answer
What does “messieurs” mean?
The conventional French-origin plural form of address or title for men, equivalent to "sirs" or "gentlemen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The conventional French-origin plural form of address or title for men, equivalent to "sirs" or "gentlemen."
Used as a formal plural salutation in letters, speeches, or formal announcements, particularly in contexts influenced by French tradition or protocol. It also serves as the plural of "monsieur," preceding a list of men's names.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is equally rare and similarly formal in both varieties. It might be marginally more recognizable in British English due to historical and ceremonial ties with French.
Connotations
Connotes extreme formality, tradition, and possibly anachronism or affectation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Most native speakers would encounter it only in historical documents, formal announcements, or highly stylized correspondence.
Grammar
How to Use “messieurs” in a Sentence
[Salutation] Messieurs [Surname/Company Name]Messieurs [and] MesdamesVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Could appear in a formal letter addressing multiple male partners of a firm, e.g., 'Dear Messieurs Smith and Jones.' Highly archaic.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Might be found in historical or diplomatic texts, or in translated French documents.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “messieurs”
- Using it in spoken English.
- Using it for a single person (must be plural).
- Misspelling as 'messiers' or 'mesieurs'.
- Pronouncing the final 's' as /s/ instead of /z/ in the common British pronunciation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It is an archaic, highly formal borrowing from French, mostly found in historical documents or in deliberately traditional contexts.
In British English, it is often anglicised to /ˈmesəz/ (like 'messers'). In American English, a more French-influenced pronunciation /meɪˈsjɜːrz/ may be used, but the anglicised version is also common.
'Messrs.' is the standard English abbreviation for 'messieurs'. It is used in writing (e.g., 'Messrs. Ford and Sons'), while 'messieurs' is the full form, used in very formal salutations.
No. For a mixed group, the French formula 'Messieurs et Mesdames' (Gentlemen and Ladies) is used. Using only 'messieurs' for a mixed group would be incorrect.
The conventional French-origin plural form of address or title for men, equivalent to "sirs" or "gentlemen.
Messieurs is usually very formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Messieurs les jurés (addressing a jury, from French legal tradition)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the abbreviation 'Messrs.' (pronounced 'Messers'), which is the English contraction of 'messieurs.' Both start with 'MESS-' and refer to multiple men.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORMALITY IS DISTANCE (using a foreign term creates linguistic and social distance, signaling high ceremony).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'messieurs' be MOST appropriate?