whiteboy

noun

white·​boy
1
archaic : a favored person : pet
2
usually capitalized [so called from their wearing white shirts outside their other clothes as a means of recognition on their night raids] : one of an agrarian association formed among the Irish peasants in 1761 especially to redress their grievances against their landlords and to resist collection of tithes

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of whiteboy was in 1592

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near whiteboy

Cite this Entry

“Whiteboy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiteboy. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!