# bohemia

/boʊˈhimiə/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bohemia
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a community of people, often artists or writers, who live in a way that is different from most of society. It describes a place or group where people value creativity and freedom over money or traditional rules.

For teachers: a social environment or community of people, typically artists and intellectuals, who adopt an unconventional lifestyle. Often used to describe the collective culture of a specific urban district known for creative non-conformity.

## Examples

- The city's old district was once a famous bohemia.
- Young writers flocked to the neighborhood, hoping to find a bohemia where they could live cheaply and focus on their craft.
- While the original bohemia of the Latin Quarter has largely vanished due to rising rents, its spirit persists in the digital communities of modern independent creators.

## Usage notes

- Often used without an article to describe the abstract social scene, though it can take 'a' when referring to a specific geographic location.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
