gentleman

noun, often attributive

gen·tle·man | \ ˈjen-tᵊl-mən

, ˈje-nᵊl-, in rapid speech also ˈjen-tə-mən, ˈje-nə-\

Definition of gentleman

1a : a man of noble or gentle (see gentle entry 1 sense 1a) birth

b : a man belonging to the landed gentry

c(1) : a man who combines gentle (see gentle entry 1 sense 1a) 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 reference show this gentleman to a seat or usually in the plural in address ladies and gentlemen

Other Words from gentleman Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about gentleman

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Examples of gentleman in a Sentence

A true gentleman would never engage in such behavior. He's a gentleman by birth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Who is an extraordinary human being, gracious, a consummate professional, a gentleman, a kind soul? — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Alex Trebek's Cancer Diagnosis Sparks Outpour of Support From Pat Sajak, Cher, and More," 7 Mar. 2019 This, ladies and gentlemen, is how to flawlessly transform your hairstyle to look drastically different within a few hours. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "Lana Condor Wears Bangs So Well," 11 Feb. 2019 Watch a clip of his speech here, then read the full transcript below: Thank you Chrissie, and good evening ladies and gentlemen. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Prince Harry Just Paid Tribute to Prince Charles and His Work in the Fight Against Climate Change," 26 Oct. 2018 But even in swinging London there are bastions of resistance, like the closed drawing rooms of the traditional gentlemen’s clubs, for those who enjoy reading the Daily Telegraph while taking their morning tea. — Janine Di Giovanni, Town & Country, "Is Brexit Ruining London Dinner Parties?," 25 Feb. 2019 The true tale of the glass-swallowing gentleman is one of dozens of bizarre cases that writer Thomas Morris dug out of medical literature for his new book, The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth and Other Curiosities from the History of Medicine. — Rachel Becker, The Verge, "A history of body horrors from distended scrotums to exploding teeth," 6 Dec. 2018 Loyola, a Jesuit school next to Lake Michigan on the North Side of Chicago, broke the unctuous gentleman’s agreement and sent out four African-American starters during the school’s title-winning season. — Sean Gregory, Time, "How Loyola Chicago’s Basketball Team Shattered a Racial Barrier for Black Athletes 55 Years Ago," 30 Mar. 2018 Folks back in the Puget Sound area might have a few words for that gentleman. — Ryan Divish, The Seattle Times, "A bright, sunny day in Arizona as Mariners pitchers and catchers report for spring training," 12 Feb. 2019 Middleton will watch the gentlemen's final Sunday with Prince William. — Charlotte Carroll, SI.com, "Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton to Watch Serena Williams in Women's Final at Wimbledon," 12 July 2018

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