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libertine

noun
lib·​er·​tine | \ ˈli-bər-ˌtēn \

Definition of libertine

1 disparaging : a freethinker especially in religious matters
2 : a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality specifically : one leading a dissolute life libertines indulging a variety of amorous impulses — Mel White
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Other Words from libertine

libertine adjective

Did You Know?

The word libertine, which originally meant "freedman" when it appeared in 14th-century English, traces to the Latin libertus, a term that in Roman antiquity identified a slave who had been set free. By the late 1500s, "libertine" had been extended to religious and secular freethinkers; Shakespeare used it to refer to anyone who follows his or her own inclinations. By 1600, though, the term had come to imply that an individual was a little too unrestrained, especially in moral situations. And yes, the Latin root of "libertine" is "liber," the ultimate source of our word liberty.

Examples of libertine in a Sentence

libertines of the royal court the legend of Don Juan depicts him as a playboy and libertine

First Known Use of libertine

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for libertine

Middle English libertyn freedman, from Latin libertinus, from libertinus, adjective, of a freedman, from libertus freedman, from liber — see liberal entry 1

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Time Traveler for libertine

The first known use of libertine was in 1577

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More Definitions for libertine

libertine

noun

English Language Learners Definition of libertine

literary : a person (especially a man) who leads an immoral life and is mainly interested in sexual pleasure

See the full definition for libertine in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on libertine

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with libertine

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for libertine

Spanish Central: Translation of libertine

Nglish: Translation of libertine for Spanish Speakers

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