gadabout

[ gad-uh-bout ]

/ ˈgæd əˌbaʊt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR gadabout ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a person who moves about restlessly or aimlessly, especially from one social activity to another.

a person who travels often or to many different places, especially for pleasure.

RELATED WORDS

rover, gallivanter

Nearby words

Origin of gadabout

First recorded in 1810–20; noun use of verb phrase gad about

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for gadabout

An hour or more had elapsed, however, and no trace of the Gadabout had been discovered.
The Go Ahead Boys on Smugglers' Island|Ross Kay
In response to the call of the man the departing Gadabout was delayed until he came alongside.
The Go Ahead Boys on Smugglers' Island|Ross Kay
A low headland prevented our getting a good view up the stream until Gadabout swung into the middle of it.
Virginia: The Old Dominion|Frank W. Hutchins and Cortelle Hutchins
Before daylight on the following morning Gadabout was awake and astir.
Virginia: The Old Dominion|Frank W. Hutchins and Cortelle Hutchins

I can tell the toot of the Gadabout if Gabriel was blowing the whistle.
The Go Ahead Boys on Smugglers' Island|Ross Kay

British Dictionary definitions for gadabout

gadabout

/ (ˈɡædəˌbaʊt) /

noun

informal a person who restlessly seeks amusement

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for gadabout