man of the world

noun

1. a man who is widely experienced in the ways of the world and people; an urbane, sophisticated man.

Word History and Origins

Origin of man of the world¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Idioms and Phrases

Also, woman of the world . A sophisticated person, experienced in social conventions. For example, You can discuss anything with him—he's a man of the world , or She's a woman of the world and understands these delicate issues . The first expression dates from about 1200 and originally meant “a man of the secular world” or “a married man” (that is, not a priest). Shakespeare applied this latter sense in As You Like It (5:3) where Audrey, at the prospect of marriage, says: “I hope it is no dishonest desire to be a woman of the world.” Henry Fielding in Tom Jones (1749) also echoed this earlier sense: “A man of the world; that is to say, a man who directs his conduct in this world as one, who being fully persuaded there is no other, is resolved to make the most of this.” By the mid-1800s the idea of sophistication had replaced this meaning.

Example Sentences

Heads were thrust forth and greetings followed, some shy and low-toned, some with feigned man-of-the-world jauntiness.

From Project Gutenberg

Here is the campaign manager, business man and man-of-the-world.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the corollary that the knowing young-man-of-the-world always puts to such a case—that the woman had been my mistress.

From Project Gutenberg

Frank liked his man-of-the-world air and did not see the grins on the faces of many of the listeners.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, jealousy does not belong to your easy man-of-the-world pose, which you carry so well in other respects.

From Project Gutenberg