tomboy

noun

tom·​boy ˈtäm-ˌbȯi How to pronounce tomboy (audio)
: a girl who behaves in a manner usually considered boyish
tomboyish adjective
tomboyishness noun

Examples of tomboy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sue spoke with Gretchen, her fellow practical tomboy. Emily Nussbaum, Vulture, 5 July 2024 It’s never been plausible to portray the luminous Russell as an unkempt tomboy who can’t be bothered to brush her hair. Alison Herman, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 The dialogue between masculine and feminine was one of the most present trends, alternating romantic flower prints and baby-doll apparel as seen at Chloé, Loewe, Acne, Dries Van Noten; and tomboy to mannish attitude and clothes such as Saint Laurent and Loewe. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 2 Oct. 2024 This is pretty much Bieber’s off-duty template: a sort of fledgling tomboy that might have played the anti-hero in a ’90s coming-of-age movie. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tomboy 

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tomboy was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near tomboy

Cite this Entry

“Tomboy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tomboy. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

tomboy

noun
tom·​boy ˈtäm-ˌbȯi How to pronounce tomboy (audio)
: a girl who enjoys things some people think are more suited to boys
tomboyish adjective
tomboyishness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on tomboy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!