gadabout

noun

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gad·about | \ ˈga-də-ˌbau̇t

Definition of gadabout

: a person who flits about in social activity

Other Words from gadabout Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about gadabout

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Did You Know?

If you had to pick the insect most closely related to a gadabout, you might wryly guess the "social butterfly." But there's another bug that's commonly heard buzzing around discussions of gadabout-the gadfly. Gadfly is a term used for any of a number of winged pests (such as horseflies) that bite or annoy livestock. Since gadflies are known for their nasty bite, it's not surprising that they are named after a sharp chisel or pointed bar used by miners to loosen rock and ore called a gad. But, although a gadabout's gossip can bite, gadfly doesn’t have any clear etymological relation to gadabout, which traces back to the Middle English verb gadden, meaning "to wander without a specific aim or purpose."

Examples of gadabout in a Sentence

she was a thoughtful gadabout, always picking up souvenirs for her friends from wherever her travels took her

Recent Examples on the Web Listen here Writer, comedian, and social gadabout Lucas Murphy sits down with friends and contemporaries to solve the New York Times crossword puzzle. — Savannah Eadens, The Courier-Journal, "Looking for something new to do? Check out these 30+ Louisville podcasts to keep you busy," 20 Apr. 2020 So, a solar charging system fits perfectly with your gadabout persona. — The Editors, Field & Stream, "Three Keys to Buying a Solar Charger for Your RV or Boat," 10 Apr. 2020 In a few words The taverns are fair full of gadabouts making merry this eve. — National Geographic, "THE BEST OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX," 30 Mar. 2020 An actress, artist and, in an earlier life, unregenerate gadabout, Ms. Subkoff seemed intent on presenting the world with a shiny, self-assured and elegantly gift-wrapped version of herself. — New York Times, "Don’t Call Tara Subkoff an ‘It’ Girl," 14 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gadabout.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.