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

Meet Cash, an energetic dog with a deep love of toys and gallivanting around in water, his profile says. —Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2025

As one of the brand's newest global ambassadors, Graham, 37, gallivanted around New York for the campaign. —Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

Returning principal cast Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt were all spot gallivanting around famed city haunts, including the Met, which transformed its exterior to host a Gala-esque fete appearing in the sequel. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2025

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

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