Bohemian

[boh-hee-mee-uhn]

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Bohemia.

2. Usually bohemian a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices.

3. the Czech language, especially as spoken in Bohemia.

4. a Romani.

adjective

1. of or relating to Bohemia, its people, or their language.

2. Usually bohemian pertaining to or characteristic of the unconventional life of a bohemian.

3. living a wandering or vagabond life.

Bohemian

/ bəʊˈhiːmɪən /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Bohemia, esp of the old kingdom of Bohemia; a Czech

2. (often not capital) a person, esp an artist or writer, who lives an unconventional life

3. the Czech language

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Bohemia, its people, or their language

2. unconventional in appearance, behaviour, etc

bohemian

1. A descriptive term for a stereotypical way of life for artists and intellectuals. According to the stereotype (see also stereotype), bohemians live in material poverty because they prefer their art or their learning to lesser goods; they are also unconventional in habits and dress, and sometimes in morals.

Other Word Forms

• anti-Bohemian adjective
• Bohemianism noun
• pro-Bohemian adjective
• pseudo-Bohemian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bohemian¹

First recorded in 1570–80; Bohemi(a) + -an

Example Sentences

"I had no idea… but it was Bohemian Rhapsody," he told BBC Radio Wales.

Read more on BBC

The rock band Queen were the star guests at the Last Night of the Proms, giving their first ever symphonic performance of their rock operetta, Bohemian Rhapsody.

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Stella McCartney posits in the movie that her mom’s singular style — minimal makeup, Bohemian wardrobe — influenced women musicians who followed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The cynical take would be: This is a naked attempt at the same commercial success as music-themed dramas like “A Complete Unknown” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

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Politicians have called on Derry City and Bohemians football clubs to hold rival gangs involved in Friday night's violence in Londonderry to account.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• free spirit 
• hippie 
• nonconformist