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

Think of Jacques-Louis David’s majestic 1800 canvas of Napoleon gallivanting across the Alps in a billowing wrap worthy of an Oscars red carpet.

From Los Angeles Times

In one of hockey’s most cherished rites, the Stanley Cup usually spends the off-season gallivanting with players around villages in Canada and hamlets throughout Scandinavia and burgs across the United States.

From New York Times

Rumors of a romance first began swirling between the two last fall when they were spotted gallivanting around New York City engaging in PDA.

From Fox News

Greg and Isabel gallivant around a dingy, dark Los Angeles and entertain dreams of the better, cleaner, realer world that lies outside the simulation.

From New York Times

But it was a completely predictable event, ever since the company gallivanted off to Charleston to open a second Dreamliner plant there in 2009.

From Seattle Times