Bohemian

American  

[boh-hee-mee-uhn] / boʊˈhi mi ən /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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adjective

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

2. unconventional in appearance, behaviour, etc

bohemian Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of Bohemian

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

Explanation

An artist who's famous for always being barefoot, or a musician who shares an apartment with her band members and four cats might be described as bohemian — that is, living an unconventional, artistic lifestyle. In the 19th century, Roma people living in France were referred to as Bohémiens because of a mistaken belief that they came from the middle-European region then known as Bohemia. Over time, the name became attached to artists, writers, and musicians who refused to conform to mainstream society and shared an outsider status and spirit. Today, bohemian still describes someone who lives this way, but it's also a fashion style — such as pairing clogs with a floaty peasant dress.

Example Sentences

Boynton, best known for her role in Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, will play Paul McCartney's fiancée Jane Asher, who famously broke off their engagement during an interview on national TV.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

The figures’ long, elegant fingers are a distinctive feature of Bohemian Gothic art, as are the tight blond curls framing the round faces of Mary, Jesus and the angel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Important works of art from Bohemian lands were destroyed by iconoclasts during the Hussite Wars of the 15th century, and much was taken as booty during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

In 1970, Mercury formed Queen with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, going on to write many of the band's defining hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions and Don't Stop Me Now.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

“A very versatile thing, this Bohemian Mountain Approach.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

• free spirit
• hippie
• nonconformist