gentleman
noun
gen·tle·man
ˈjen-tᵊl-mən 
ˈje-nᵊl-,
in rapid speech also ˈjen-tə-mən,
ˈje-nə-
often attributive
1
a
: 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 reference
show this gentleman to a seat
or usually in the plural in addressladies and gentlemen
gentlemanlikeness
noun
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
Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were spotted at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.
—
Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
Trump inauguration live updates: Biden, Trump at Capitol ahead of noon transfer of power
Former President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, were in attendance.
—Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025
Fabrizio Bensch / Getty Images Outgoing first lady Jill Biden and first gentleman Doug Emhoff arrived for the ceremony, greeting the Clintons and others.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
In addition to the president-elect and vice president-elect's families, outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff are also expected at the ceremony.
—Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for gentleman 
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show current usage.
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Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
Trump inauguration live updates: Biden, Trump at Capitol ahead of noon transfer of power
Former President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, were in attendance.
—Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025
Fabrizio Bensch / Getty Images Outgoing first lady Jill Biden and first gentleman Doug Emhoff arrived for the ceremony, greeting the Clintons and others.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
In addition to the president-elect and vice president-elect's families, outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff are also expected at the ceremony.
—Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for gentleman
Articles Related to gentleman
Dictionary Entries Near gentleman
Cite this Entry
“Gentleman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentleman. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gentleman
noun
gen·tle·man
ˈjen(t)-ᵊl-mən
1
: a man born to a family of high social rank
2
: a man of good education and social position
3
: a male with very good manners
reminded her young son to be a gentleman
4
: man
I can help this gentleman
ladies and gentlemen
gentlemanliness
noun
-lē-nəs
gentlemanly
adjective
-lē
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