Quick Answer
Messrs. is the formal way to refer to two or more men, like a plural for 'Mr.'. It's interesting because it's a French import that's still used in very formal settings like legal documents or when naming a business, giving it a touch of old-school polish.
In a hurry? TL;DR
- 1Use 'Messrs' to formally address or refer to two or more men collectively, especially in legal and business contexts.
- 2Messrs is the plural of Mr., borrowed from French 'messieurs', and signifies formal, traditional etiquette.
- 3Employ 'Messrs' for firm names, partnerships, or lists of male defendants to maintain professional formality.
- 4Prestigious publications like The New York Times and The Economist still use 'Messrs' for formal grouping of men.
- 5Avoid 'Messrs' in modern, gender-neutral communication; it specifically denotes groups of men.
- 6Use 'Messrs' to streamline addressing multiple men in formal correspondence for enhanced sophistication.
Why It Matters
It's surprising that a single, rarely seen word like "Messrs" still maintains its essential role in formal British English for addressing groups of men, bridging centuries of linguistic evolution.
Messrs is the formal plural form of Mr., used when addressing or referring to two or more men simultaneously. It functions as a collective title in legal documents, formal journalism, and traditional invitations.
MES-urz (/ˈmɛsəz/)
Part of Speech: Abbreviation Definition: The plural of Mr., used to address or refer to a group of men by their surnames. Usage: Primarily found in formal correspondence, legal titles, and firm names.
Why It Matters
Using Messrs allows you to address a group without the repetitive clunkiness of saying Mr. over and over again, instantly elevating the sophistication of formal communication.
The Formal Collective
Messrs is the linguistic equivalent of a tailored suit. It exists because English lacks a native plural for the title Mr. and borrowed the solution from French. While it might feel like a relic of Victorian boardrooms, it remains the standard in high-end journalism and law.
The word surfaces most frequently when listing partners in a firm or identifying defendants in a courtroom. Unlike other titles that have faded into obscurity, Messrs retains a specific utility in professional settings where precision and etiquette intersect.
The New York Times and The Economist still use the term to group men in their reports, maintaining a level of distance and formality that a simple list of names lacks. It serves as a signal of high-register prose.
The Origin Story
Usage in Context
- The memorandum was addressed to Messrs Thompson, Davies, and Grant regarding the upcoming merger.
- We are pleased to announce that Messrs Wright and Sons has been appointed as the lead architects for the project.
- In his opening statement, the barrister referred to the defendants as Messrs Miller and Thorne.
- The evening was hosted by Messrs Black and White, the founders of the charitable trust.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Misters, the gentlemen, the sirs.
- Antonyms: Mesdames (the plural for Mrs. or Madame), Mses. (the plural for Ms.).
Practical Usage Tips
Address the Envelope: When sending a physical letter to two brothers or a father and son, addressing it to Messrs Smith is the most traditional format.
Avoid Redundancy: Do not write Messrs Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones. The title Messrs replaces the need for the individual titles entirely.
Check the Gender: Never use Messrs for a mixed-gender group. If the group includes women or people of unknown gender, stick to modern alternatives like the team at or simply list the full names.
How do you pronounce Messrs?
Despite its spelling, it is pronounced as MES-urz. It sounds very similar to the word messers but with a shorter, crisper ending.
When should I use Messrs instead of Misters?
Messrs is the accepted abbreviation in written English. Writing out Misters is exceptionally rare and often looks amateurish in a professional or formal context.
Is there a female equivalent?
Yes. The feminine equivalent for a group of married women is Mesdames, abbreviated as Mmes. For a group where marital status is unknown or irrelevant, you can use Mses.
Key Takeaways
- Messrs is the plural of Mr.
- It is pronounced MES-urz.
- It is derived from the French word messieurs.
- It is used to address two or more men in formal, legal, or professional writing.
- It should never be used for mixed-gender groups or a group of women.
Example Sentences
"The letter was addressed to Messrs. Smith, Jones, and Williams regarding the property dispute."
"The firm, Messrs. Davies & Partners, announced their new senior associates today."
"Court documents routinely refer to the defendants as Messrs. Brown and White."
"Invitations to the gala were sent to Messrs. Allerton and Finch this morning."
"The panel discussion featured esteemed guests, Messrs. Evans, Patel, and Singh."
