ENGLISH
REFERENCE

schoolboy

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈskuɫˌbɔɪ// UK //skˈuːlbɔɪ// school·boy

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.


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.

Origin

From school + boy.

Usage

Often used as a modifier in the phrase 'schoolboy error' to describe a basic or careless mistake.

Idioms1 entry

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