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

She was a celebrated bohemian, considered a scandalous woman.

From The Daily Beast

There was Milan Hruška, a fiery miner from the North Bohemian coal mines.

From The Daily Beast

Women may have frequented bohemian bars, but on the whole it was friendships and private networks.

From The Daily Beast

These bohemian joints were so uncompromising that they reminded Moss “you needed chutzpah to live in New York,” he says.

From The Daily Beast

To honor the occasion, DVF presented a collection—or rather, a party—that was dubbed  “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

From The Daily Beast

In 1904 there was only one drinking-saloon, kept by a Bohemian-born American, who paid $6,000 a year for his monopoly licence.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Sin was well known in certain Bohemian quarters, but was always spoken of as one speaks of a pet vice.

From Project Gutenberg

John Huss, a Bohemian clergyman who had adopted the opinions of Wickliff, was burnt at the stake.

From Project Gutenberg

She was a very literary young woman, much spoken of in Bohemian circles for elegance and graciousness.

From Project Gutenberg

There is something peculiar in butter prepared in this way, as it is known in other countries by the name of Bohemian butter.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• nonconformist
• unconventional
• unorthodox