gentleman

[jen-tl-muhn]

noun

plural

gentlemen 

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

Other Word Forms

• gentlemanly adjective
• gentlemanliness noun
• gentlemanlike adjective
• undergentleman noun
• ungentlemanlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentleman¹

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

Synonym Study

See man.

Example Sentences

"I just saw the policemen draw their guns at the gentleman, asking the gentleman to come out of his car," a neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, told the newspaper.

From BBC

"In the times I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects," she added.

From BBC

They create another kind of electricity that highlights Black Newport’s society ball when William strides onto the dance floor, politely interrupts Peggy’s waltz with another gentleman, and drops to one knee to propose.

From Salon

People will do something to mark El Aliso’s existence in front of a gentleman’s club near the 101 Freeway once more.

From Los Angeles Times

Hanks paid tribute Friday, calling Lovell “a leader, a gentleman, and a friend.”

From Salon

Related Words

• aristocrat 
• nobleman