bonhomie
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of bonhomie
First recorded in 1795–1805; from French, equivalent to bonhomme “good-natured man” ( see boon 2, Homo) + -ie -y 3
Explanation
If you are known for your bonhomie, that's a good thing. It means that you are a cheerful friendly sort of person. Keep it up. Any French speaker will recognize that the noun bonhomie is related to bon homme — French for "good man." However, a woman can exude a spirit of bonhomie as well, as long as she is cheery and kind. If you are looking to infuse a depressing setting with bonhomie, try cracking a joke or setting your beret at a rakish angle.
Vocabulary lists containing bonhomie
100 Words to Make You Sound Smart
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Unbroken
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: April 22 - 27, 2018
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nawaz said the US-Pakistan relationship would need such headwinds addressed to move past reliance on the possibly fleeting bonhomie of its leaders.
From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026
Soundcheck and dress rehearsals take place with a spirit of relaxed bonhomie.
From BBC ● Jun. 21, 2026
U.S. officials and analysts expect Trump and Xi to repeat their usual displays of bonhomie but make few political breakthroughs in bilateral ties.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 13, 2026
All that military bonhomie didn’t produce a well-oiled effort on the field, where hits and base runners stack to create overwhelming wins.
From Salon ● Mar. 18, 2026
Don kept talking, his voice too larded in bonhomie, her dislike clawing at her throat.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
