messrs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowVery formal, historical, archaic
Quick answer
What does “messrs” mean?
An abbreviation or plural form of the honorific 'Mr.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An abbreviation or plural form of the honorific 'Mr.' (Mister), used before a list of men's names to denote 'Gentlemen' or 'Sirs'.
A formal, archaic title of address used in written English, particularly in business correspondence or historical texts, to collectively address or refer to two or more men, often partners in a firm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more persistent in traditional British business contexts (e.g., Messrs Smith & Co.). In American English, its use is even rarer and more archaic.
Connotations
Both regions: old-fashioned, formal, traditional, possibly pretentious if used in modern general contexts.
Frequency
Very low in both. Possibly marginally higher in formal British legal or institutional documents.
Grammar
How to Use “messrs” in a Sentence
Messrs + (plural proper noun(s) of male individuals or partners)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Formal letterhead or address for a traditional partnership firm: 'Messrs Jackson and Pettigrew, Solicitors'.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “messrs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “messrs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “messrs”
- Using 'Messrs' for a single person (e.g., 'Messrs John Smith').
- Using it in speech.
- Using it with first names only.
- Assuming it is the standard plural of 'Mr.' in modern English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It is considered archaic and is only encountered in highly formal, traditional, or historical contexts, such as the nameplates of very old firms or in period literature.
It is pronounced /ˈmɛsərz/, essentially like 'messers'.
No, absolutely not. 'Messrs' is a plural form and must refer to two or more men. For one man, use 'Mr.'.
Yes, the female equivalent is 'Mmes' (pronounced /meɪˈdɑːm, meɪˈdæm/), an abbreviation of the French 'Mesdames'. It is even rarer in modern English than 'Messrs'.
An abbreviation or plural form of the honorific 'Mr.
Messrs is usually very formal, historical, archaic in register.
Messrs: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛsəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛsərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MESSenGeRS' for a formal message sent to a group of men; the central part 'MESS' is in the spelling.
Conceptual Metaphor
LINGUISTIC FOSSIL: A preserved remnant of older English/French formality, like a 'linguistic dinosaur' in modern language.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts might the use of 'Messrs' be considered acceptable (though old-fashioned) today?