# gentlemen

/ˈdʒɛnəɫmɪn/ (US) · /dʒˈɛntəlmən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gentlemen
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. polite men

noun · CEFR A2

more than one man who is polite, honest, and has good manners.

For teachers: the plural of gentleman, referring to men of good breeding, courtesy, or high moral character.

- The two gentlemen stood up when the elderly woman entered the room.
- The club was founded as a space where gentlemen could discuss politics and literature away from the noise of the city.

### 2. polite address

noun · CEFR A2 · Formal

a polite way to speak to a group of men.

For teachers: a formal collective address used when speaking to an audience of men.

- Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats for the performance.
- The chairman began his speech by thanking the assembled gentlemen for their generous contributions to the charity.

### 3. men's toilet

noun · CEFR B1 · British English · Formal

a polite name for a public toilet for men.

For teachers: a euphemistic term for a public lavatory designated for male use.

- He asked the waiter where the gentlemen was located.
- The restaurant's facilities were clearly marked, with the gentlemen located at the end of the hallway past the bar.

Usage: Often seen on signs as 'Gentlemen' or 'Gents'.

## Examples

- The host welcomed the ladies and gentlemen to the party.
- The club rules state that all members must behave like gentlemen while on the premises.
- The speaker addressed the crowd as 'ladies and gentlemen', a traditional opening that immediately established a formal and respectful tone for the evening's proceedings.

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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.