Bohemian

[ boh-hee-mee-uhn ]

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Bohemia.
2. Usually bo·he·mi·an. a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices.
3. the Czech language, especially as spoken in Bohemia.
4. a Romani.

adjective

1. of or relating to Bohemia, its people, or their language.
2. Usually bo·he·mi·an. pertaining to or characteristic of the unconventional life of a bohemian.
3. living a wandering or vagabond life.

Bohemian

/ bəʊˈhiːmɪən /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Bohemia, esp of the old kingdom of Bohemia; a Czech
2. often not capital a person, esp an artist or writer, who lives an unconventional life
3. the Czech language

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Bohemia, its people, or their language
2. unconventional in appearance, behaviour, etc

bohemian

1. A descriptive term for a stereotypical way of life for artists and intellectuals. According to the stereotype (see also stereotype ), bohemians live in material poverty because they prefer their art or their learning to lesser goods ; they are also unconventional in habits and dress, and sometimes in morals.

Other Words From

• an·ti-Bo·he·mi·an adjective noun
• Bo·he·mi·an·ism noun
• pro-Bo·he·mi·an adjective noun
• pseu·do-Bo·he·mi·an adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bohemian¹

First recorded in 1570–80; Bohemi(a) + -an

Example Sentences

While his mother was ill, Sir Ian had to split his time between his hometown and his new life in Edinburgh where, by his own admission, he was "pretending to be Bohemian".

From BBC

Cowell, the show’s notoriously toughest judge, asked after the pair’s electrifying quarterfinals performance to a mash-up of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

From Los Angeles Times

The “Bohemian Rhapsody” musician said that he was transported to a hospital after the stroke and had “fantastic care” at Frimley Hospital in Surrey, England, according to the BBC.

From Los Angeles Times

The chronicler Froissart records that both sides saw clearly the Bohemian was at fault, but the French, not desiring to provoke the English during a lull in the Hundred Years’ War, grudgingly excused his behavior.

From Salon

Called the Bohemian Chemist, it’s a dispensary with the vibe of an Art Deco apothecary.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• nonconformist
• unconventional
• unorthodox