gentleman

noun

gen·​tle·​man ˈjen-tᵊl-mən 

ˈje-nᵊl-

in rapid speech also ˈjen-tə-mən, 

ˈje-nə-

often attributive

1

a

: a man of noble or gentle (see gentle entry 1 sense 4a) birth

b

: a man belonging to the landed gentry

c(1)

: a man who combines gentle (see gentle entry 1 sense 4a) 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 sense 1b

—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

gentlemanlike

ˈjen-tᵊl-mən-ˌlīk 

ˈje-nᵊl-

adjective

gentlemanlikeness noun

Synonyms of gentleman

• nobleman

Examples of gentleman in a Sentence

A true gentleman would never engage in such behavior.

He's a gentleman by birth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Eight minutes and 33 seconds into the episode, Damon and Letterman play gentlemen silently crossing the street as the camera pans to the home of George Russell, who’s recovering inside after getting shot at the end of season three. — Alex Zalben, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026

Ingordo bids aggressively, but a Japanese gentleman next to him, his phone pressed to his ear the entire time, one-ups him. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

But the lively gentlemen at the urinals were already licking their lips in anticipation. — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026

As if the Hawks should be gentlemen and hold open doors for the dainty, little Dream. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gentilman

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing gentleman

• a lady/man/gentleman of leisure
• country gentleman
• first gentleman
• gentleman-at-arms
• gentleman-commoner
• gentleman farmer
• gentleman of fortune
• gentleman's agreement
• gentleman's club
• second gentleman

Rhymes for gentleman

• gentlemen

Kids Definition

gentleman

noun

gen·​tle·​man ˈjen(t)-ᵊl-mən 

1

: a man born to a family of high social rank

2

: a man of good education and social position

3

: a male with very good manners

reminded her young son to be a gentleman

4

: man

I can help this gentleman

ladies and gentlemen

gentlemanliness

-lē-nəs

noun

gentlemanly

-lē

adjective