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

Either way, Netflix respectfully disagrees with the honorable gentleman from the former Republic of Texas, to put it nicely. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 11 May 2026

This gentleman, unfortunately, succumbed to natural causes. —Camila Bernal, NBC news, 7 May 2026

One of our favorite celeb couples, Ciara and Russell Wilson, brought glitz and polished glamour to the room, and as always, the NFL player was a gentleman, kissing her hand and making room for his queen to shine. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 May 2026

Kraft’s first physical retail space opened in the heart of Monte Carlo in 2024, and has since evolved into something of an unofficial gentlemen’s members’ club. —Nick Scott, Robb Report, 3 May 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