gentleman
JEHN-tuhl-muhn
Gentleman (noun) means a polite, well-mannered, or honorable man. Example: “He offered his coat to the cold stranger, like a true gentleman.”
noun
1
A polite, well-mannered, or honorable man.
"He offered his coat to the cold stranger, like a true gentleman."
"He held the door open like a true gentleman."
"She described her grandfather as a real gentleman."
2
(formal or polite) A man, used respectfully regardless of manners.
"Excuse me, this gentleman was here before you."
"Would the gentleman in the blue jacket like to order now?"
"The gentleman at the front desk will assist you."
3
Historically, a man of respectable birth or means who did not need to work for a living.
"As a gentleman of leisure, he spent his days reading and riding."
"Old novels often feature a wealthy gentleman who owns a large country house."
"In the novel, he lives as a gentleman on his family's estate."
How to use gentleman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite or well-bred man, or simply a formal way of referring to a man.
Common pairings
ladies and gentlemen
a perfect gentleman
gentleman farmer
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like gentleman.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- gentlemen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He offered his coat to the cold stranger, like a true _____.
Etymology
From Middle English gentilman, combining "gentle" (in its older sense of "well-born") with "man".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gentleman
See all rhymes for gentleman →Frequently asked questions
What does “gentleman” mean?
The word “gentleman” means a polite, well-mannered, or honorable man. In plain terms, a polite or well-bred man, or simply a formal way of referring to a man.
How do you pronounce “gentleman”?
“Gentleman” is pronounced JEHN-tuhl-muhn ([ˈd͡ʒɛɾ̃.ɫ̩.mən] in IPA).
How do you use “gentleman” in a sentence?
Here is “gentleman” used in a sentence: “He held the door open like a true gentleman.”
What part of speech is “gentleman”?
“Gentleman” is a noun.
Where does the word “gentleman” come from?
The word “gentleman” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gentilman, combining "gentle" (in its older sense of "well-born") with "man".
Is “gentleman” a common word?
“Gentleman” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “gentleman” have?
“Gentleman” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a polite, well-mannered, or honorable man.
What is the difference between "gentleman" and "gentlemen"?
"Gentleman" is the singular form, referring to one man, while "gentlemen" is the plural, referring to two or more. The greeting "ladies and gentlemen" uses the plural because it addresses a whole audience.
Is "gentleman" formal or informal?
"Gentleman" is polite and fairly formal, used to show respect for a man regardless of his manners, as in "this gentleman would like to order." In everyday casual speech, "man" or "guy" is far more common.
When should you use "gentleman" instead of "man"?
Use "gentleman" when you want to sound courteous or respectful, such as in formal introductions, service settings, or public address. "Man" is the neutral, everyday choice when politeness or formality is not the focus.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include gentleman:
