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 notesIn plain EnglishA rich, carefree man focused on leisure, luxury, and romance rather than settling down.
Common pairings
playboy lifestyle
notorious playboy
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Word forms
- Plural
- playboys
- Comparative
- more Playboy
- Superlative
- most Playboy
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was portrayed in the tabloids as a jet-setting _____.
Etymology
A compound of play and boy.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for playboy
See all rhymes for playboy →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.
