boy
noun (countable)
UK/bɔɪ/US/bɔɪ/
A male child or young man.
Example Sentences
The boy played happily in the park, chasing after butterflies and climbing trees.
She watched her little boy take his first steps with pride and joy.
At the summer camp, the boys participated in various outdoor activities, including hiking and swimming.
He always dreamed of becoming a professional athlete when he was a boy.
The teacher encouraged the boy to pursue his interest in science by joining the school’s robotics club.
During the family reunion, the boys enjoyed playing soccer on the spacious backyard.
The boy’s laughter echoed through the house as he opened his birthday presents.
As a boy, he loved reading adventure novels and imagining himself as the hero of the story.
Thesaurus
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Antonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bɔɪ/US/bɔɪ/
To treat someone in a servile or subordinate manner; to act like a boy.
Example Sentences
He tended to boy his superiors, always agreeing with their opinions to gain favor.
In an attempt to secure a promotion, she chose to boy her manager by taking on extra tasks without being asked.
The new employee was criticized for trying to boy his colleagues, which created tension in the workplace.
Instead of asserting his ideas, he continued to boy the team leader, hoping to be noticed for his compliance.
Her tendency to boy authority figures hindered her ability to stand up for herself in important discussions.
During the meeting, he would constantly boy his boss, nodding in agreement even when he disagreed internally.
The politician was accused of trying to boy influential donors to secure campaign funding.
Rather than leading the project, he chose to boy the project manager, avoiding responsibility and decision-making.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A young male person, typically a child or teenager still growing and learning.As a noun, “boy” usually refers to a male child or youth. You might say, “He’s a smart boy,” to praise a young person’s intelligence, or “We met some boys at the park,” describing their age group and gender. In more colloquial language, adults sometimes jokingly use “boy” to address each other—“Hey, boy!”—though it can sound informal or even patronizing depending on the tone and context. Culturally, 'boy' often evokes images of childhood energy, curiosity, and boundless imagination. When writing or speaking about a boy’s experiences, highlight his activities, interests, or challenges to show how he’s developing into a teenager or adult. In formal contexts—like legal or official documents—you may see references to 'male minor' instead of “boy,” reflecting an emphasis on precise definitions. If you’re describing relationships, phrases like “my boy” can express familial or emotional closeness, whether it’s a parent talking about a son or an affectionate way of referring to a young friend. Keep your context in mind—'boy' generally conveys youth, learning, or still being on a journey toward maturity.
Alternatives
If you’d rather not repeat 'boy,' you can refer to 'a young male child,' 'male youngster,' or simply 'child' if the context already implies gender. For older children, 'teenager' or 'young man' might be more fitting, indicating a step closer to adulthood. In casual speech, 'kid' works if gender isn’t crucial. Terms like 'lad' or 'chap' show regional flair—'lad' is more common in British English and can suggest a friendly, informal vibe. If you’re highlighting a family relationship, specifying 'son,' 'brother,' or 'nephew' clarifies his place within that structure. Each choice subtly shifts emphasis—'lad' could emphasize charm or local color, while 'teenager' centers on the transitional phase of adolescence.
Writing
In writing, if you choose 'boy' to spotlight youth or innocence, weave in traits or behaviors that underscore his developmental stage—like boundless energy, curiosity, or a drive to explore. Descriptive details—'His scraped knees never seemed to heal, always fresh from tree-climbing adventures'—can enrich the reader’s understanding of what makes him a 'boy' rather than an adult. When depicting relationships, consider how others perceive or guide him: parents, teachers, siblings. If you’re profiling a character in a novel or short story, specify age or maturity level—'At ten years old, he already had a knack for science experiments'—so readers can gauge whether he’s a toddler, preteen, or adolescent. In nonfiction contexts—like sociological essays—mention relevant factors shaping a boy’s environment, such as cultural expectations, educational opportunities, or family structures. Avoid stereotypes; focus on individuality to show every boy’s distinct personality or background. If you use 'boy' figuratively—like describing an adult as 'acting like a boy'—clarify what qualities or attitudes you’re comparing (e.g., immaturity, naivety, or a playful spirit). A measured approach ensures 'boy' isn’t reduced to clichés, allowing the word to convey genuine nuance.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, 'boy' pops up when you’re talking about kids or addressing a young male. Friends might say, 'That boy is so funny,' or 'My boy is growing up so fast!' indicating parental pride. Phrases like 'She had a baby boy last week' share happy news about a new family member. Teenagers might jokingly refer to each other as 'the boys' or 'my boys,' implying their circle of friends. You might also hear 'boy oh boy' as an exclamation of surprise or emphasis—though it’s somewhat old-fashioned. At times, people use 'boy' in a playful or teasing manner with close friends, but be cautious: in certain contexts, addressing an adult male as 'boy' can come off as condescending or disrespectful. Generally, stick to 'boy' for children and younger teens, or use it in affectionate terms when you’re certain it won’t be misunderstood. If you’re talking about a group of male children—'the boys'—listeners will usually picture a group of energetic kids or young teens. In casual chatter, 'boy' is straightforward: it signals youth, a sense of developing identity, and a certain liveliness often associated with childhood.
Etymology
The English word 'boy' likely originated from Middle English 'boi' or 'boye,' though its exact roots are a bit murky. Some linguists propose connections to Old French or Dutch terms referencing servant boys or young males, while others see possible Germanic origins. In medieval England, 'boy' could denote a young male servant, evolving over time to focus on youth or a juvenile male. Across centuries, 'boy' came to emphasize not just a male child’s role but also the societal assumptions around development, education, and upbringing. Different dialects and languages introduced their variants—like 'lad' in Scotland and Northern England or 'garçon' in French—each capturing the cultural nuances of youth. Colonization and social hierarchies sometimes led to pejorative uses of 'boy' in addressing adult men of certain ethnic groups, highlighting the word’s sociopolitical weight in specific historical contexts. Modern usage, however, centers on innocence, growth, and the process of maturing into an adult, reflecting how 'boy' maintains both simplicity—he’s a child—and deeper cultural layers tied to family, tradition, and identity.
