Word
schoolboy
Phoneticsschool·boy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskuɫˌbɔɪ/
UK/skˈuːlbɔɪ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a boy who goes to school. You use this word to describe a young male student, usually at a primary or secondary school.
n. a male child or adolescent who attends school. Often used attributively to describe simple or basic errors that a more experienced person should not make.
Examples
“The schoolboy carried a heavy backpack to class.”
“The local bus was crowded with schoolboys in their blue uniforms heading home for the day.”
“The veteran defender was embarrassed after making a schoolboy error that allowed the opposing team to score in the final minute of the match.”
Examples
simple
“The schoolboy carried a heavy backpack to class.”
contextual
“The local bus was crowded with schoolboys in their blue uniforms heading home for the day.”
complex
“The veteran defender was embarrassed after making a schoolboy error that allowed the opposing team to score in the final minute of the match.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier in the phrase 'schoolboy error' to describe a basic or careless mistake.
Etymology
From school + boy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
01. schoolboy error
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-2
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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