Definition of gentleman
1a : 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 referenceshow this gentleman to a seat or usually in the plural in addressladies and gentlemen
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Time Traveler for gentleman
The first known use of gentleman was in the 12th century
See more words from the same century