# tomboy

/ˈtɑmˌbɔɪ/ (US) · /tˈɒmbɔɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tomboy
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a girl or woman who likes to play and dress like a boy. She usually enjoys sports and outdoor activities more than traditional 'girly' things.

For teachers: a girl or woman who prefers to play, dress, or behave in a manner typically associated with boys.

## Examples

- She was a tomboy who loved playing soccer with the boys.
- Growing up as a tomboy, she spent most of her childhood climbing trees and riding her bike through the neighborhood.
- While some viewed her as a tomboy for her preference for hiking boots and baseball caps, she simply felt more comfortable in those clothes than in traditional feminine attire.

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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.