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
Both gentlemen are pumped for the respective task ahead, especially one that involves the super stringent world of Formula 1.
—
Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
In what seems like a parody of a ritual that exists mostly in the imagination of cartoonists, the proposal requires the gentleman to be on his knees offering an astonished lady a box containing a ring.
—Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
When both loan moves were secured on deadline day in the summer of 2023, Barcelona and Cancelo’s camp reached a gentlemen’s agreement in which the club promised to work on signing him again for the 2024-25 season.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 28 May 2025
The Cavaliers dominated Indiana in Game 3, but the Pacers rallied to win Games 4 and 5, securing another gentleman’s sweep.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gentleman
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.
Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
In what seems like a parody of a ritual that exists mostly in the imagination of cartoonists, the proposal requires the gentleman to be on his knees offering an astonished lady a box containing a ring.
—Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
When both loan moves were secured on deadline day in the summer of 2023, Barcelona and Cancelo’s camp reached a gentlemen’s agreement in which the club promised to work on signing him again for the 2024-25 season.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 28 May 2025
The Cavaliers dominated Indiana in Game 3, but the Pacers rallied to win Games 4 and 5, securing another gentleman’s sweep.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gentleman
Cite this Entry
“Gentleman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentleman. Accessed 6 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share