People Are Reading
gallant was our Word of the Day on 09/08/2012. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of gallant in a Sentence
he was quite a gallant, primping more than either of his sisters
she had a whole host of gallants vying for her hand in marriage
Recent Examples of gallant from the Web
-
Housewives surrendered their gold jewelry in a gallant, but futile attempt to restore the nation’s solvency.
-
However, the Murrays plan on appealing the case and think the Gallants are making a big deal out of nothing.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gallant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of gallant
Middle English galaunt, gallaunt, borrowed from Middle French, noun derivative of galant 2gallant
Definition of gallant
gallantly
adverbExamples of gallant in a Sentence
The defenders of the fort made a gallant stand.
They failed to reach the summit, but they made a gallant attempt.
He greeted her with a gallant bow.
He offered her his seat in a gallant gesture.
Recent Examples of gallant from the Web
-
Captain Wentworth, just returned from glorious exploits in the Navy, plays the gallant flirt to everyone but Anne, who broke his heart years before and has regretted it ever since.
-
But Anaheim survived the rest of the power play, thanks to a gallant effort by Nate Thompson, who dived right in front of a grenade launched by Klefbom.
-
His gallant initiative and heroic conduct in the face of extreme peril reflect the highest credit upon Pfc.
-
The lights are all up front, where the finished product of our toil goes marching by to gallant music, marching by to France and to glory and beyond.
-
Those who fell and those who survived have given to this and to future generations an example of high idealism, courageous service and gallant achievement.
-
At first, you'll be dazzled by Leo's sweeping chivalry and gallant romantic gestures.
-
Outsiders have been a joy: In 2002, Turkey and South Korea, a co-host, were gallant semifinalists.
-
Though all of Mr. Nelson’s Rhinebeck plays have featured strong female characters, in this one, he more or less turns the stage over to them entirely (though Mr. Sanders, wonderful as always, is a gallant kibitzer).
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gallant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
In the late 14th century, Middle English adopted "galaunt" (now spelled "gallant") from Middle French galant, a participial form of the verb galer, meaning "to have a good time." This origin is more apparent in the earliest uses of the English "gallant," both as a noun meaning "a man of fashion" and as an adjective meaning "marked by show, color, smartness, or splendor especially in dress." French galer is related to "gale" ("pleasure, merrymaking") which has also entered the language, by way of Italian, as "gala" ("a festive celebration"). Middle English also had a noun "gale" which meant "singing, merriment, or mirth" (and is unrelated to the "gale" used to indicate a strong current of air) which may also have been related to Old French gale.
Origin and Etymology of gallant
Middle English galaunt, borrowed from Middle French galant, from present participle of galer “to squander in pleasures, have a good time, enjoy oneself,” going back to Old French, going back to Gallo-Romance *walāre, derivative of Old Low Franconian *wala “well, with good appearance or effect,” going back to Germanic *welō — more at 3well
Synonym Discussion of gallant
Origin and Etymology of gallant
derivative of 2gallant
Gallant
playDefinition of Gallant
Mavis 1922–2014 originally Mavis de Trafford Young Canadian-French writer
GALLANT Defined for English Language Learners
gallant
playDefinition of gallant for English Language Learners
-
: showing courage : very brave
-
: large and impressive
-
: having or showing politeness and respect for women
GALLANT Defined for Kids
gallant
playDefinition of gallant for Students
1 : showing courage : very brave a gallant soldier
2 : chivalrous 2 a gallant knight
3 \gə-ˈlant, -ˈlänt\ : very polite to women He offered her his seat in a gallant gesture.
4 : splendid or stately a gallant ship
5 : showy in dress or in the way of acting He was a gallant figure in his uniform.
gallantly
adverbLearn More about gallant
-
See words that rhyme with gallant Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gallant Spanish Central: Translation of gallant Nglish: Translation of gallant for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up gallant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!