tomboy

[ tom-boi ]

noun

1. an energetic, sometimes boisterous girl whose behavior and pursuits, especially in games and sports, are considered more typical of boys than of girls.

tomboy

/ ˈtɒmˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a girl who acts or dresses in a boyish way, liking rough outdoor activities

Derived Forms

• ˈtomˌboyishly, adverb
• ˈtomˌboyishness, noun
• ˈtomˌboyish, adjective

Other Words From

• tomboyish adjective
• tomboyish·ly adverb
• tomboyish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomboy¹

First recorded in 1545–55; Tom + boy

Example Sentences

It made us sissies and tomboys, villains and monsters, tragic victims and sexless bystanders for decades before the relatively recent, hard-won introduction of complex, multilayered queer leads.

From Los Angeles Times

She is the consummate cool girl: 33 years old, both a total hottie and a total tomboy, unable to do things like make a real meal or read a book.

From New York Times

Ever the curious tomboy, I asked, “Is that an old temple?”

From Los Angeles Times

“When we grew up, she was the tomboy.”

From Seattle Times

So, I always considered myself a tomboy, but I still like to dress up and be sparkly with rhinestones and glitter and fringe and all that kind of stuff.

From Seattle Times