tomboy
Tomboy (noun) means a girl who enjoys activities or behaviour typically associated with boys, such as rough play or sports. Example: “As a kid she was a total tomboy, always climbing trees with the neighborhood boys.”
How to use tomboy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA girl who prefers boyish activities, clothes, or play style over more traditionally "girly" pursuits.
Generally used casually and affectionately, though some now consider it a slightly dated way to frame gender-typical behaviour.
Word forms
tomboys plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
As a kid she was a total _____, always climbing trees with the neighborhood boys.
Etymology
From "tom" (short for Thomas) plus "boy." First recorded in the mid-1500s describing a boisterous girl, though early citations are ambiguous; the modern meaning was established by the late 1500s.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tomboy
See all rhymes for tomboy →Frequently asked questions
What does “tomboy” mean?
The word “tomboy” means a girl who enjoys activities or behaviour typically associated with boys, such as rough play or sports. In plain terms, a girl who prefers boyish activities, clothes, or play style over more traditionally "girly" pursuits.
How do you pronounce “tomboy”?
“Tomboy” is pronounced TOM-boy (/ˈtɑm.bɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tomboy” in a sentence?
Here is “tomboy” used in a sentence: “As a kid she was a total tomboy, always climbing trees with the neighborhood boys.”
What part of speech is “tomboy”?
“Tomboy” is a noun.
Where does the word “tomboy” come from?
The word “tomboy” dates back to around 1500. From "tom" (short for Thomas) plus "boy." First recorded in the mid-1500s describing a boisterous girl, though early citations are ambiguous; the modern meaning was established by the late 1500s.