gentleman

noun

gen·​tle·​man ˈjen-tᵊl-mən 

ˈje-nᵊl-,

 in rapid speech also  ˈjen-tə-mən,

ˈje-nə-

often attributive

1

a

: a man of noble or gentle (see gentle entry 1 sense 4a) birth

b

: a man belonging to the landed gentry

c(1)

: a man who combines gentle (see gentle entry 1 sense 4a) birth or rank with chivalrous qualities

(2)

: a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior

d(1)

: a man of independent means who does not engage in any occupation or profession for gain

(2)

: a man who does not engage in a menial occupation or in manual labor for gain

2

: valet sense 1b

—often used in the phrase gentleman's gentleman

3

: a man of any social class or condition

—often used in a courteous reference

show this gentleman to a seat

or usually in the plural in address

ladies and gentlemen

gentlemanlike

ˈjen-tᵊl-mən-ˌlīk 

ˈje-nᵊl-

adjective

gentlemanlikeness noun

Synonyms

• grandee
• lord
• milord
• nobleman
• peer

Examples of gentleman in a Sentence

A true gentleman would never engage in such behavior.

He's a gentleman by birth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff is speaking at two Harris campaign events in Pennsylvania, while former President Barack Obama is at a fundraiser in Chicago. —Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Oct. 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris visited the state last week, along with second gentleman Doug Emhoff and first lady Jill Biden. —Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024

Matthew Vaughn says Taron Egerton would be an 'amazing' Lex Luthor, details rejected Superman trilogy pitch If manning the X-ray machine at the airport during the holidays isn't stressful enough, this unidentified gentleman makes things exponentially worse. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 15 Oct. 2024

Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff (Andy Samberg), Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (Jim Gaffigan) and President Joe Biden (Dana Carvey) joined Harris on the Democratic team, while the Republican team included Donald Trump Jr. (Mikey Day) and Sen. JD Vance (Bowen Yang). —Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gentilman

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing gentleman

• a lady/man/gentleman of leisure
• country gentleman
• first gentleman
• gentleman-at-arms
• gentleman-commoner
• gentleman farmer
• gentleman of fortune
• gentleman's agreement
• gentleman's club
• second gentleman

Kids Definition

gentleman

noun

gen·​tle·​man ˈjen(t)-ᵊl-mən 

1

: a man born to a family of high social rank

2

: a man of good education and social position

3

: a male with very good manners

reminded her young son to be a gentleman

4

: man

I can help this gentleman

ladies and gentlemen

gentlemanliness

-lē-nəs

noun

gentlemanly

-lē

adjective