gentleman

[ jen-tl-muhn ]

noun

, plural gen·tle·men.

1. a man of good family, breeding, or social position.
2. (used as a polite term) a man:

   Do you know that gentleman over there?

3. gentlemen, (used as a form of address):

   Gentlemen, please come this way.

4. a civilized, educated, sensitive, or well-mannered man:

   He behaved like a true gentleman.

5. a male personal servant, especially of a man of social position; valet.
6. a male attendant upon a king, queen, or other royal person, who is himself of high birth or rank.
7. a man of good social standing, as a noble or an armigerous commoner.
8. a man with an independent income who does not work for a living.
9. a male member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives:

   The chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.

10. History/Historical. a man who is above the rank of yeoman.

gentleman

/ ˈdʒɛntəlmən /

noun

1. a man regarded as having qualities of refinement associated with a good family
2. a man who is cultured, courteous, and well-educated
3. a polite name for a man
4. the personal servant of a gentleman (esp in the phrase gentleman's gentleman )
5. history a man of gentle birth, who was entitled to bear arms, ranking above a yeoman in social position
6. (formerly) a smuggler

Derived Forms

• ˈgentlemanly, adjective
• ˈgentlemanliness, noun

Other Words From

• gentle·man·like adjective
• under·gentle·man noun plural undergentlemen
• un·gentle·man·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentleman¹

Middle English word dating back to 1225–75; gentle, man

Synonym Study

See man.

Example Sentences

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said that Mr Reid was "a true giant in local journalism, and an all-round gentleman".

From BBC

He was the perfect gentleman, along with having a Hollywood producer cool.

From Los Angeles Times

The impact it is having on the gentlemen who attend the group, which meets in the town of Otley every Monday, is self-evident.

From BBC

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls - they may well decide this election.

From BBC

Steve Hideg was classy, gracious, old school, polite, a gentleman, a jazzy cool cat and a caring friend, and his beautiful struggle ended Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aristocrat
• nobleman