choirboy

[kwahyuhr-boi]

noun

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

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

choirboy

/ ˈkwaɪəˌbɔɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of choirboy¹

First recorded in 1830–40; choir + boy

Example Sentences

The band’s relationships to music and their own voices have changed with age: ragged choirboys as they are now, but still tuneful and beautiful.

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The alleged offences happened a number of years after he shot to fame as a choirboy on the show, the court heard.

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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.

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According to producer John Culshaw, Vishnevskaya was upset because she had been placed on a balcony, next to the adolescent choirboys.

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The choirboys should be able to “go into the coming year without existential worries,” the chancellor added.

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