mister

1 of 2

noun (1)

mis·​ter ˈmi-stər 

for sense 1 ˌmi-stər

or in rapid speech (ˌ)mis(t)

1

Mister : mr.

—used sometimes in writing instead of Mr.

2

: sir

—used without a name as a generalized term of direct address of a man who is a stranger

Hey, mister, do you know the time?

3

: husband

mister

2 of 2

noun (2)

mist·​er ˈmi-stər 

: a device for spraying a mist

Synonyms of mister

Noun (1)

• husband

Examples of mister in a Sentence

Noun (1)

I'll check with the mister and see if we're free that weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Fairchild also noted the breezeway includes misters for Sacramento’s intense summer heatwaves. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026

The city of Boise also opened splash pads and cooling misters to the public on Memorial Day. —Hali Smith june 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026

Shark changed that earlier this year with the introduction of the ChillPill, a first-of-its-kind fan that also includes a mister and cryo-inspired cooling plate. —Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 May 2026

Use a shallow drip fountain or mister to provide water. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of master entry 1

Noun (2)

mist entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mister

• blister
• lyster
• sister
• twister
• resister
• resistor
• stepsister
• transistor

Kids Definition

mister

1 of 2 noun

mis·​ter ˈmis-tər 

for sense 1 ˌmis-tər

1

—used sometimes in writing instead of Mr.

2

: sir sense 2

—used without a name as a term of direct address of a man who is a stranger

hey, mister, do you want to buy a paper?

mister

2 of 2 noun

mist·​er ˈmis-tər 

: a device for spraying a mist

Etymology

Noun

an altered form of master

Noun

²mist "to cover with a mist" and ²-er "one that does (a specified action)"