noun
sire
seye-uh
noun
1
The male parent of an animal, especially in breeding contexts.
"The foal's sire was a champion racehorse."
2
A formal or old-fashioned way of addressing a king or other male sovereign.
"The knight bowed and said, "As you wish, sire.""
verb
1
To father offspring, especially said of male animals.
"The stallion has sired several award-winning colts."
How to Use Sire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe male parent of an animal, or a formal way to address a king.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sire a foal
yes, sire
Word Forms
sired past tense, sires plural, sires singular
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The foal's _____ was a champion racehorse.
Etymology
From Old French sire, from Latin senior ("older"). A doublet of "sir" and "senior."