First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
gentleman
noun, gen·tle·man often attributive \ˈjen-təl-mən, ˈje-nəl-, 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
1
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
2
: valet —often used in the phrase gentleman's gentleman
3
: 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
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Origin of GENTLEMAN
Middle English gentilman
GENTLEMANLIKE Defined for Kids
gentleman
noun gen·tle·man \ˈjen-təl-mən\
plural gen·tle·men \-mən\
Definition of GENTLEMAN for Kids
1
: a man with very good manners
2
: 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.>
3
: a man of high social status <He's a gentleman by birth.>
— gen·tle·man·ly adjective
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