choirboy

American  

[kwahyuhr-boi] / ˈkwaɪərˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a boy who sings in a choir, especially a church choir.

2. Slang. a person who is notably honest, moral, or innocent.

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choirboy British  

/ ˈkwaɪəˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. one of a number of young boys who sing the treble part in a church choir

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Etymology

Origin of choirboy

First recorded in 1830–40; choir + boy

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

choirboy

You don’t fight as a choirboy in a battle royale.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026

The more well-documented tradition of this day was the election of a choirboy by his peers to perform the duties of bishop, dressing in his vestments and conducting Church services in a reversal of hierarchy.

From Salon ● Dec. 23, 2024

It was there when Charles stood before a choirboy at Westminster Abbey on Saturday and promised to serve.

From Seattle Times ● May 8, 2023

And she draws comparisons to characters in her own village: the glint of triumph in the eye of a swindler reminds her of the face of the choirboy when he pocketed the collection.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 1, 2022

But this night he felt ill at ease, a choirboy among cardinals.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson