boy

noun

ˈbȯi How to pronounce boy (audio)
Definition of boynext
1
as in kid
a male person who has not yet reached adulthood a giggling little boy ran by

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in boyfriend
a male romantic companion their teenaged daughter has a new boy, and she's just crazy about him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of boy Researchers are unsure why boys appear to be most at risk of being infected. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 17 July 2026 As Simón gathered the ball, Mbappé simply ran up and jumped on him, much as a small boy might assault his older brother, in meaningless and unproductive rage, for refusing to share an ice cream. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 Shakira, a mother of two boys, even gave Roccuzzo a heartfelt shoutout in Thursday’s post. — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 Jens Spahn, the parliamentary group leader of the Christian Democrats and Christian Social Union, confirmed to the German publication Bild that his family welcomed a baby boy via surrogate. — Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for boy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boy
  1. kid
  2. boyfriend
  3. teenager
  4. beau
  5. lad
  6. adolescent
  7. toddler
Noun
  • For older kids who have trouble adjusting to the demands on the school year, plenty of time to wind down after school and a predictable morning routine are key.
    — Parents, Parents, 17 July 2026
  • That said, this probably won’t be even faintly legible on a home entertainment system, let alone the handheld gadgets that kids like the ones seen here prefer to watch entertainment on these days.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026
Definition of kid
Noun
  • Anyway, now Carmella has an ex-husband she is not divorced from and a boyfriend who cheated on her.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • In one photo, Kardashian could be seen smiling next to her boyfriend and her daughter Chicago in what appeared to be the first selfie of the couple with one of her kids.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Definition of boyfriend
Noun
  • The latest Russian strikes killed two people in Kyiv, including a teenager, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • In New York, where space is precious and rooms are more likely to be shared, teenagers sometimes turn up their décor to set their side apart from a sister’s bed, a mom’s desk, or even the family dining set.
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 16 July 2026
Definition of teenager
Noun
  • As a result, Nick struggles to show up for this new version of his beau.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • Kai is apparently likewise impressed by her mom’s legendary beau, 50.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of beau
Noun
  • This intensive five-day retreat welcomes only America’s dudes, bros, lads, sons and fathers.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • Aussie Rules lads are almost clothed enough to enter a convenience store.
    — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Definition of lad
Noun
  • But for children and adolescents whose bodies and skeletons are still growing, specialized pediatric orthopedic care is critical.
    — JP Shaffer, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
  • Despite being a high achiever, Veena Dinavahi struggled with anxiety and depression as an adolescent.
    — Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Definition of adolescent
Noun
  • In toddlers and young children, drowning is the most common cause of death, surpassing birth defects.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • The toddler plummeted from the rear window of the building on Oak Terrace near Beekman Ave.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
Definition of toddler

Phrases Containing boy

Browse Nearby Words

boxy
boy
boychick
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Cite this Entry

“Boy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boy. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on boy

Nglish: Translation of boy for Spanish Speakers

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