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noun Uncommon

playboy

PLAY-boy

Playboy (noun) means a wealthy, unattached man who spends his time pursuing pleasure and romantic conquests rather than responsibility or commitment. Example: “He was portrayed in the tabloids as a jet-setting playboy.”

noun
1
A wealthy, unattached man who spends his time pursuing pleasure and romantic conquests rather than responsibility or commitment.
"He was portrayed in the tabloids as a jet-setting playboy."

How to Use Playboy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rich, carefree man focused on leisure, luxury, and romance rather than settling down.

Common pairings
playboy lifestyle notorious playboy

Word Forms

more Playboy comparative, playboys plural, Playboys plural, most Playboy superlative

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He was portrayed in the tabloids as a jet-setting _____.

Etymology

A compound of play and boy.

Related Words

Rhymes for playboy

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “playboy” mean?

The word “playboy” means a wealthy, unattached man who spends his time pursuing pleasure and romantic conquests rather than responsibility or commitment. In plain terms, a rich, carefree man focused on leisure, luxury, and romance rather than settling down.

How do you pronounce “playboy”?

“Playboy” is pronounced PLAY-boy (/ˈpleɪˌbɔɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “playboy” in a sentence?

Here is “playboy” used in a sentence: “He was portrayed in the tabloids as a jet-setting playboy.”

What part of speech is “playboy”?

“Playboy” is a noun.

Is “playboy” a common word?

“Playboy” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between a playboy and a womanizer?

A playboy is generally a wealthy, unattached man defined by a lifestyle of pleasure-seeking, leisure, and romantic pursuits, while a womanizer specifically emphasizes pursuing and discarding multiple romantic partners, without necessarily implying wealth or a broader lifestyle of pleasure.

Is playboy a positive or negative term?

Playboy can carry a mixed connotation: it sometimes suggests glamour, charm, and carefree wealth, but it can also imply a lack of commitment or responsibility, so tone often depends on context.

Does playboy always imply wealth?

Yes, wealth is part of the core meaning, since a playboy is specifically described as a man who spends his time and resources pursuing pleasure and romance rather than working or taking on responsibility.

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