gadabout
Americannoun
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a person who moves about restlessly or aimlessly, especially from one social activity to another.
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a person who travels often or to many different places, especially for pleasure.
noun
Etymology
Origin of gadabout
First recorded in 1810–20; noun use of verb phrase gad about
Explanation
A gadabout is someone who's constantly on the move, looking for the most fun social activity they can find. If there are four parties on Saturday night, a gadabout will make it to all of them. Gadabouts are known for their restless tendency to wander from place to place, and for being pleasure seekers. It can be hard to take a gadabout seriously, since having fun is their highest priority. This noun first appeared in the 19th century, from an earlier phrase, gadder about, "walk around idly," and the now obsolete verb gad, "wander randomly and frivolously."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She is, after all, the English-born, Oxford-educated former editor of Tatler, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Talk and The Daily Beast, as well as a prolific freelance writer, intermittent broadcaster, conference organizer and general gadabout.
From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2022
Schoeffer is a gadabout, and he led the young couple over jebel and oued—hill and stream—in Morocco’s rugged backcountry.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2018
That afternoon the strolling couple encounter David’s college friend, Andrew, a sophisticated gadabout and ladies’ man who is immediately smitten with the human tidal wave from Turkestan.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 24, 2016
The queen looks serious and demure - nothing like the gadabout many took her to be.
From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2015
Ain't she stronger and handsomer to-day than she was the day I had the honor to bring her up from the depot in that new gadabout of mine?
From The Reclaimers by Margaret Hill McCarter
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