noun
philanderer
fih-LAN-duh-ruh
noun
1
A man who has casual or secret romantic and sexual relationships with multiple women, especially while in a committed relationship.
"His wife finally left him after learning he was a serial philanderer."
How to Use Philanderer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA man who cheats on or two-times partners, moving from one romantic affair to another.
When to use it
A somewhat old-fashioned, disapproving word — most commonly seen in writing rather than casual speech.
Common pairings
a notorious philanderer
serial philanderer
Word Forms
philanderers plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “philanderer”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
His wife finally left him after learning he was a serial _____.
Etymology
From "philander," meaning to flirt or carry on casual love affairs, ultimately from Greek philandros ("fond of men"), though the English word came to describe men who chase women.