English Reference
noun · adjective

playboy

n. · adj.
US /ˈpɫeɪˌbɔɪ/ UK /plˈeɪbɔɪ/ play·boy UK spelling playboys

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Informal

    n.a rich man who spends his life having fun, going to parties, and dating many people rather than working.

    n.a wealthy man who devotes himself to a life of leisure and pleasure, particularly one involving frequent socialising and casual romantic pursuits.

    Simple

    The young playboy spent his inheritance on fast cars and luxury holidays in Europe.

    In context

    The media often portrayed him as a shallow playboy, more interested in the guest lists of exclusive clubs than in managing his family's vast industrial empire.

    socialitehedonistphilanderer
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Informal

    adj.describing a lifestyle focused on pleasure, expensive things, and casual dating.

    adj.relating to or characteristic of a hedonistic lifestyle, often associated with wealth and sexual freedom.

    Simple

    He lived a playboy lifestyle for years before finally deciding to settle down.

    In context

    The film explores the darker side of the playboy image, showing the loneliness that often hides behind a facade of constant partying.

    hedonisticextravagant

From play + boy.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated