gallivant

verb

gal·​li·​vant ˈga-lə-ˌvant 

variants or less commonly galavant

gallivanted also galavanted; gallivanting also galavanting; gallivants also galavants

intransitive verb

1

informal : to travel, roam, or move about for pleasure

been gallivanting all over town

2

dated, informal : to go about usually ostentatiously or indiscreetly with members of the opposite sex

Did you know?

Back in the 14th century, gallant, a noun borrowed from the French word galant, referred to a fashionable young man. By the middle of the next century, it was being used more specifically to refer to such a man who was attentive to, and had a fondness for, the company of women. In the late 17th century, this “ladies’ man” sense gave rise to the verb gallant to describe the process a suitor used to win a lady’s heart, and “gallanting” became synonymous with “courting.” It’s this verb gallant that is the likely source of gallivant, which originally meant “to act as a gallant” or “to go about usually ostentatiously or indiscreetly with members of the opposite sex.” Today, however, gallivant is more likely to describe pleasurable wandering than romancing.

Synonyms

• wander
• roam
• ramble
• float

Examples of gallivant in a Sentence

They've been gallivanting all over town.

He's been gallivanting around the country when he ought to be looking for a job.

Recent Examples on the Web

After seeing her out on the town gallivanting with a few shady characters, Kat's friends intervene, unaware that the teacher is actually on a secret mission at the direction of law enforcement. —Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 14 June 2025

While Kylie Jenner was gallivanting around town with her bf Timothee Chalamet during F1 weekend, her ex Travis Scott was planning a birthday blowout. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025

The dozen gallivanted around the city, cruised on a cocktail boat ride, wore coordinating sparkly dresses for a night out and celebrated the bride-to-be, according to Ree's blog and Paige's Instagram posts. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

In his 20s, Reinaldo gallivanted about Europe making full use of his youth, looks, means, brains, and flirtatious charm. —Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps extended form of gallant entry 3

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Kids Definition

gallivant

verb

gal·​li·​vant

variants also galavant

ˈgal-ə-ˌvant

informal

: to travel or roam about for pleasure