playboy

American  

[pley-boi] / ˈpleɪˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a man who pursues a life of pleasure without responsibility or attachments, especially one who is of comfortable means.

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playboy British  

/ ˈpleɪˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a man, esp one of private means, who devotes himself to the pleasures of nightclubs, expensive holiday resorts, female company, etc

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Etymology

Origin of playboy

First recorded in 1620–30; play + boy

Example Sentences

LONDON—In 2001, Prince Andrew retired from active duty in the Royal Navy, with a reputation as a war hero and something of a playboy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Jarvis, the fictional AI from Marvel, was once known for helping billionaire playboy turned superhero Tony Stark save the world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

Not only did its first installments change directors and tones, they even radically changed Hunt’s personality from a loudmouth to a playboy to a devoted husband.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025

He rose to fame with Robinhood playboy roles in the 1990s before becoming an actor.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2024

Todd had always been, to Zeitoun’s mind, a bit of a wanderer, something of a playboy.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers