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

The Home for Retired Bears, benignly administered by the musical nuns, resembles an island gentlemen’s club in early Bond movies: think cane furniture, the wistful whiff of Empire and a faintly sinister air. —Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024

Forbes estimates her net worth, along with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, at about $8 million, up from $7 million in 2021. —Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Michael Stipe performed at a Harris-Walz get-out-the-vote rally in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday attended by Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz (MN) and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. —Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2024

Harris' husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, was played again by former cast member Andy Samberg and Dana Carvey appeared as President Biden. —CBS News, 3 Nov. 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