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

Houseplant amateurs will also appreciate this plant mister, which should remind them to water their plants. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025

And don’t worry, there are plenty of patio misters to keep you cool during the hot, dry summers. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2025

Fun fact: the Sol de Janeiro sprays are refillable, and the brand suggests using the empty bottle as an around-the-house mister or picking up a refill-size to replenish your favorite scents. —Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 18 Nov. 2025

This often uses evaporative cooling towers – giant misters that spray water over hot pipes or open basins. —Leo S. Lo, The Conversation, 1 Sep. 2025

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)"