gentleman friend

noun

, Older Use.

1. a man with whom a woman is romantically involved; suitor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentleman friend¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

“A gentleman friend thought I should learn it, so he and another friend of his gave me a lesson. I don’t know what I learned. Probably nothing. In my humble opinion, a phone is just to make a call or receive a call.”

From New York Times

I wanted these things from my gentleman friend, but I didn’t need them.

From New York Times

After my gentleman friend and I ate and didn’t get food poisoning, we went back to his house.

From New York Times

And he called himself my “gentleman friend.”

From New York Times

One evening, while my gentleman friend and I waited for our meals on a restaurant patio, he said, “I have a confession.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• boyfriend
• lover
• paramour
• suitor
• sweetheart