# esquire

/ˈɛsˌkwaɪɹ/ (US) · /ˈɛskwaɪə/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/esquire
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a title of respect that people sometimes put after a lawyer's name in writing. In the past, it was also used for men who owned land or worked for a knight.

For teachers: a title of courtesy or respect, traditionally placed after a surname in written address. In modern American usage, it is almost exclusively reserved for licensed attorneys; historically, it denoted a member of the English gentry or an attendant to a knight.

## Examples

- The letter was addressed to Jane Smith, Esquire.
- When drafting the formal legal notice, the clerk made sure to append 'Esquire' to the names of all representing counsel.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Mr. John Doe, Esq." but "John Doe, Esq." — The title is post-nominal and replaces social titles like Mr. or Ms. rather than being used with them.

## Usage notes

- Used as a post-nominal title (placed after the name); it is never used alongside other titles like 'Mr.' or 'Ms.'

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.