gallivant

or gal·a·vant

[ gal-uh-vant, gal-uh-vant ]

/ ˈgæl əˌvænt, ˌgæl əˈvænt /

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See synonyms for: gallivant / gallivanter on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to wander about, seeking pleasure or diversion; gad.

to go about frivolously and publicly with multiple romantic partners.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Rarely gal·i·vant .

Origin of gallivant

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

OTHER WORDS FROM gallivant

gal·li·vant·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gallivant in a sentence

And investigative reporter Tintin is always gallivanting around the world, but rarely files a story.
Superman Quits His Newspaper Job? Good, He’s a Hack|Sujay Kumar|October 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
After years of gallivanting around town, his social life began to pale.
The Man Who Created Disco Beauty|Isabel Wilkinson|March 31, 2010|DAILY BEAST
I married the daughter of a former Methodist minister and spent the past year gallivanting through 52 different churches.
Jesus Made Me a Better Jew|Benyamin Cohen|December 24, 2008|DAILY BEAST
He left me for “business reasons,” though the business had mainly to do with gallivanting with other women in England.
I Helped Save Claus von Bulow|Andrea Reynolds|December 9, 2008|DAILY BEAST

But that boy got tired o' gallivanting around over there, and he's back here on Edward's hands.
A Hoosier Chronicle|Meredith Nicholson
I ought to charge you up with the time my outfit has spent gallivanting around the country on the strength of your wild yarn.
The Happy Family|Bertha Muzzy Bower
You come to my house, do one day's solid work, and then get gallivanting off with an exploration party.
The Hero of Panama|F. S. Brereton
And yet you went gallivanting off with Laura, and never even reported it to me!
Cursed|George Allan England
“Tiny runs the show when I go gallivanting around on some fool stunt,” explained Rand.
Helen in the Editor's Chair|Ruthe S. Wheeler

British Dictionary definitions for gallivant

gallivant

galivant or galavant

/ (ˈɡælɪˌvænt) /

verb

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

Word Origin for gallivant

C19: perhaps whimsical modification of gallant

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

gallivant

or gal·a·vant

Origin of gallivant

OTHER WORDS FROM gallivant

Words related to gallivant

How to use gallivant in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for gallivant

galivant or galavant

Word Origin for gallivant