boaster

¹

[ boh-ster ]

noun

1. a person who boasts boast or brags.

boaster

²

[ boh-ster ]

noun

, Masonry.

1. a chisel for boasting boast stone.

Word History and Origins

Origin of boaster¹

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; boast ¹, -er ¹

Origin of boaster²

First recorded in 1875–80; boast ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

It came that way to a boaster of his intentions sometimes, especially so when a man spoke too quickly and assumed too much.

From Project Gutenberg

Red Arrow believed this as much as the boaster did, for men must believe they will do these things before they do them.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a great boaster, but when put to the test, generally collapsed in a ludicrous manner.

From Project Gutenberg

I will challenge the boaster to run up a hill with me, breathing but four times until the top is reached.

From Project Gutenberg

And the company would separate, so when the boaster reached the place no one would be there.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Boaster

What does boaster mean?

A boaster is someone who is known for boasting—bragging, especially in a way that exaggerates or shows excessive pride about the boaster’s skills, possessions, or accomplishments.

The word boast can also be used as a noun to refer to such a claim, as in He was a boaster who was known for his outrageous boasts—like about how he once rode a shark.

Boasters most often boast about themselves—their skills, their possessions, or the things that they have accomplished—but a boaster can also boast about someone else. A parent might be called a boaster because they constantly boast about their child’s accomplishments, for example.

A boaster can be described as boastful.

Example: Don’t be such a boaster—try to have a little humility.

Where does boaster come from?

The first records of the word boaster come from around 1300. Its base word, the verb boast, comes from the Middle English bosten, but its ultimate origin is uncertain.

People who are considered boasters are often trying to make their accomplishments or skills seem greater than they actually are. But this isn’t always the case—a boaster’s boasts may be true. Still, saying that a person is a boaster usually means that they are thought to lack humility—that they are too prideful.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to boaster?

• boast (verb)

What are some synonyms for boaster?

• bragger
• braggart

What are some words that share a root or word element with boaster? 

• boastful (adjective)

What are some words that often get used in discussing boaster?

• brag
• conceited
• pride
• claim
• exaggerate
• skill
• ability
• possession
• accomplishment

How is boaster used in real life?

Boaster is not all that commonly used. When it is, it is typically used in a negative way.

‘In a city full of boasters, bluffers and BS artists, Cecil was the real deal: a man far more interested in changing policy than in preening for the cameras.’ Great @errollouis on a great EJ warrior https://t.co/uT7PXd1K2j

— David Giambusso (@Giambusso) October 22, 2020

I’ve never been much of a boaster

— Sabi (@sabian_angel) December 17, 2020

Hate to be a boaster but apparently mine & @DJSteveMore remix of @AudioPlayground was US Billboard Dance Chart No.1 this wknd. Awesome news!

— Andi Durrant (@AndiDurrant) March 3, 2014

Try using boaster!

Which of the following words could be used to describe someone who’s considered a boaster?

A. braggadocious

B. prideful

C. conceited

D. all of the above