lad
12 synonyms for lad, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A boy or young man, especially used informally or affectionately.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lad
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a young lad
the lads
good lad
Common and casual in British English, often used as a form of address among friends.
Etymology
From Middle English ladde, meaning "servant, young man, or boy," of uncertain further origin.
Full origin of lad →Frequently asked questions
What does “lad” mean?
The word “lad” means a boy or young man, especially used informally or affectionately. In plain terms, an informal, friendly word for a boy or young man.
How do you pronounce “lad”?
“Lad” is pronounced lad (/læd/ in IPA).
How do you use “lad” in a sentence?
Here is “lad” used in a sentence: “The old man remembered being a lad growing up on the farm.”
What part of speech is “lad”?
“Lad” is a noun.
Where does the word “lad” come from?
The word “lad” comes from Middle English. From Middle English ladde, meaning "servant, young man, or boy," of uncertain further origin.
Is “lad” a common word?
“Lad” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a lad and a boy?
Both refer to a young male, but "boy" is neutral and usually means a child, while "lad" is informal and often affectionate, and can stretch to cover a young man, not just a child.
What is the difference between a lad and a bloke?
In British English a "lad" is typically a boy or younger man, while a "bloke" is simply a man of any age. Calling someone a bloke says nothing about youth, whereas lad carries a sense of youthfulness or camaraderie.
Is lad formal or informal, and where is it used?
Lad is informal and most common in British, Irish, and Australian English, where it sounds warm or matey. It is much less common in American English, which tends to prefer "boy," "kid," or "guy."
