# Mister

/ˈmɪstɝ/ (US) · /mˈɪstɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 3. spraying device

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a machine or bottle that sprays a very fine cloud of water.

For teachers: a mechanical device designed to emit a fine spray or mist of liquid, often used in gardening or cooling systems.

- I use a small mister to keep my tropical plants humid during the winter.
- The outdoor café installed a high-pressure mister system to lower the ambient temperature for customers during the peak of the summer heat.

### 4. to call someone mister

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to call a man 'mister' instead of using his name.

For teachers: to address a person using the title 'mister', often implying a lack of familiarity or a specific social distance.

- Don't you 'mister' me—we have been friends for twenty years.
- The witness continued to mister the prosecutor throughout the cross-examination, maintaining a stiff and formal distance despite the lawyer's attempts at rapport.

## Examples

- Good morning, mister. Can I help you?
- The shop assistant greeted the customer with a polite 'Good afternoon, mister' before asking how she could help.
- Though the title carries a certain deference, using 'mister' without a surname can sometimes imply a subtle social distance or playful familiarity depending on the tone.

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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.