What does gentleman mean?
Gentleman is a traditional English noun referring primarily to a man who is courteous, considerate, and courteous in his dealings with others. It commonly conveys respectability, self-control, and good manners rather than wealth or social rank alone. In formal or historical contexts, it can also mean a man of noble birth or a respectful form of address. The word is used in British and American English, although in modern American usage it is especially associated with personal conduct and may sound formal or old-fashioned. Related expressions include “gentleman farmer,” “country gentleman,” and “gentleman of his word.” Although the word is gendered and increasingly replaced in some contexts by the neutral term “gentleperson,” it remains useful because it carries a stronger and more specific social meaning than the general word “man.”
nounA man who is courteous, considerate, and shows good manners. By extension, it can refer to a man of respectable or honorable character.
- A man who is courteous, considerate, and well-mannered.
- A respectful or formal reference to a man, especially in traditional or formal usage.
- Historically, a man of noble birth or high social standing.
"He behaved with the courtesy of a true gentleman."
"He was always a gentleman, even when others were rude."
"Gentlemen, the meeting will now come to order."
The standard plural of gentleman is gentlemen, with the e retained.
"Several gentlemen were waiting in the drawing room."
The word once signaled noble birth; today its strongest claim is character.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gentleman
The word entered Middle English from Old French gentil homme, literally “nobleman” or “man of noble birth.” Its elements derive from Latin gentilis, originally associated with freeborn or noble status. The compound later came to mean a man of polite or honorable character, while related words such as gentle and genteel preserve the same medieval French and Latin roots.
Related word forms
How gentleman is actually used
The term is standard in both British and American English but has a traditional, formal tone. In contemporary use it most often emphasizes courtesy and good character, while it can sometimes sound old-fashioned or ironic.
Easily confused with gentleman
A gentleman is a person considered courteous and respectable, whereas genteel describes refined or elegant manners or style.