gentleman

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Formal

n. a polite way to talk about or address any man.

n. a polite or formal designation for a male person, frequently used in the plural as a form of address.

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“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest speaker for the evening.”

“The usher requested that the gentlemen remove their hats before entering the main sanctuary for the ceremony.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Archaic · British English

n. a man from a high social class who does not need to work for money.

n. a man of high social status, specifically one of 'gentle' birth who owns property and does not engage in manual labour.

“In the old novel, the main character was a gentleman who spent his days reading and hunting.”

“Under traditional English law, a gentleman was defined as an armigerous man ranking below a knight but above a yeoman.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Sports Archaic · Formal

n. someone who does an activity for fun rather than as a job, often because they are wealthy.

n. an amateur participant in a sport or profession, historically distinguished from professionals who received payment.

“He was a gentleman scientist who funded his own experiments in his basement.”

“The distinction between 'gentlemen' and 'players' in cricket historically separated wealthy amateurs from those who played for a wage.”