noun
-
conspicuous courage, esp in war
the gallantry of the troops
-
polite attentiveness to women
-
a gallant action, speech, etc
Etymology
Origin of gallantry
1600–10; < Middle French galanterie, equivalent to Old French galant ( see gallant) + -erie -ry
Explanation
Gallantry is an old-fashioned word for brave behavior in a man, especially on the battlefield. Another meaning for gallantry is an extreme form of courtesy and respect towards women, often referred to as chivalry, and the two words are used interchangeably. The most famous examples of gallantry and chivalry can be found in the stories of the mythical King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, who were always fighting other knights for the favor of a fair princess's hand.
Vocabulary lists containing gallantry
Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Four
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
A Streetcar Named Desire
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Roberts-Smith won the Victoria Cross -- Australia's highest military honour -- for "conspicuous gallantry" in Afghanistan while on the hunt for a senior Taliban commander.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
Place this alongside Horace in one of his “Epistles”: “The advancing years rob us of every thing: they have taken away my mirth, my gallantry, my revelings, and play.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026
She is one of 20 recipients of the civilian gallantry awards, and one of four awarded it posthumously.
From BBC • Oct. 6, 2025
Corporal Sidney Bates posthumously received Britain's Victoria Cross for "supreme gallantry" after repeatedly charging a critical German position with a light machine gun before dying of his wounds.
From Reuters • Nov. 12, 2023
I want gallantry from her, swash buckling, heroism, single-handed combat.
From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
