# Englishman

/ˈɪŋɡɫɪʃmən/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. a man from England

noun · CEFR A2

a man who was born in England or is a citizen of England.

For teachers: a male native or inhabitant of England; a man who is English by birth, ancestry, or naturalisation.

- The Englishman told us about his favorite places to visit in London.
- Although he had lived in New York for decades, he still considered himself a proud Englishman at heart.

Teaching tip: While 'Englishman' is common, many people now prefer the gender-neutral 'English person' or the broader 'British person' in formal contexts.

### 2. English-speaking Canadian

noun · CEFR C1 · Dialect · Informal

a dated and sometimes rude word for a Canadian who speaks English as their first language.

For teachers: a Canadian of British descent or whose primary language is English, often used in contrast to French-speaking Canadians.

- In the old neighborhood, the French families lived next to the Englishmen.
- The historical text describes the growing tensions between the local habitants and the newly arrived Englishmen in the province.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to Quebec and can be perceived as an ethnic slur or offensive depending on the context; 'Anglophone' is the standard modern term.

### 3. English-speaking South African

noun · CEFR C1 · Dialect · Archaic

a dated word for a South African whose family comes from Britain.

For teachers: a South African of British descent, typically distinguished from Afrikaans-speaking citizens.

- My grandfather was an Englishman who settled in Cape Town after the war.
- The social club was originally founded to serve the interests of the local Englishmen in the mining district.

Teaching tip: Mostly used historically to distinguish between British-descended and Boer/Afrikaner populations.

## Examples

- The Englishman ordered a cup of tea with his breakfast.
- During the international conference, an Englishman and a French scientist shared their research on climate change.
- The novel's protagonist is a typical Englishman of the Victorian era, characterized by his reserved demeanor and strict adherence to social etiquette.

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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.