gentleman

noun, gen·tle·man often attributive \ˈjen-t^əl-mən, ˈje-n^əl-, in rapid speech also ˈjen-tə-mən, ˈje-nə-\

: a man who treats other people in a proper and polite way

: a man of high social status

Full Definition of GENTLEMAN

a : a man of noble or gentle birth

b : a man belonging to the landed gentry

c (1) : a man who combines gentle birth or rank with chivalrous qualities (2) : a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior

d (1) : a man of independent means who does not engage in any occupation or profession for gain (2) : a man who does not engage in a menial occupation or in manual labor for gain

: valet —often used in the phrase gentleman's gentleman

: a man of any social class or condition —often used in a courteous reference <show this gentleman to a seat> or usually in the plural in address <ladies and gentlemen>

— gen·tle·man·like \-mən-ˌlīk\ adjective

— gen·tle·man·like·ness noun

See gentleman defined for English-language learners

See gentleman defined for kids

Origin of GENTLEMAN

Middle English gentilman

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to GENTLEMAN

Synonyms: grandee, lord, milord, nobleman, peer

Other Forms of Address Terms

appellation, beatitude, brethren, emeritus, esquire, sire, sous

GENTLEMAN Defined for Kids

gentleman

noun gen·tle·man \ˈjen-t^əl-mən\

plural gen·tle·men \-mən\

Definition of GENTLEMAN for Kids

: a man with very good manners

: a man of any social position Hint:This word is used especially in polite speech or when speaking to a group of men. <Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.>

: a man of high social status <He's a gentleman by birth.>

— gen·tle·man·ly adjective