gallivant

American  

[gal-uh-vant, gal-uh-vant] / ˈgæl əˌvænt, ˌgæl əˈvænt /

Rarely galivant or galavant

verb (used without object)

1. to wander about, seeking pleasure or diversion; gad.

2. to go about frivolously and publicly with multiple romantic partners.

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gallivant British  

/ ˈɡælɪˌvænt /

verb

1. (intr) to go about in search of pleasure; gad about

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Other Word Forms

• gallivanter noun

Etymology

Origin of gallivant

First recorded in 1815–25; perhaps fanciful alteration of gallant

Example Sentences

Deer regularly gallivant into neighborhoods, jumping fences and lounging on front lawns.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2023

Look at the massive Seville cityscape here, by an unknown painter from around 1660, in which men of lighter and darker skin tones gossip and gallivant on the riverbank as galleons sail by.

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2023

The other besieged children gallivant just as vivaciously, among them Charlie Hodson-Prior as Bruce, Winter Jarrett-Glasspool as Amanda and Rei Yamauchi Fulker as Lavender.

From Washington Post • Dec. 19, 2022

Twice he won the Grand Prix, and on those special nights, he’d take his shiny new trophy and gallivant with friends around the festive streets of downtown Long Beach until early morning.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2021

"The mill must keep working, Bronden. We cannot close it down to gallivant whenever we please."

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda