# schoolboy

/ˈskuɫˌbɔɪ/ (US) · /skˈuːlbɔɪ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/schoolboy
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a boy who goes to school. You use this word to describe a young male student, usually at a primary or secondary school.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

---

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.