gentlemanly
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of gentlemanly
late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at gentleman, -ly
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.
Washington’s intention to wage a humane and gentlemanly war for American independence was subsumed by proliferating mayhem, especially on the remote frontiers, where practices such as scalping were well established.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026
Dwane Walcott’s “Mitch,” as he is known to friends, has a diffidence that in Blanche’s eyes makes him seem almost gentlemanly among Stanley’s boorish friends.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2025
His gentlemanly ways were both deplored and adored in equal measure.
From BBC ● Dec. 27, 2024
By the 1700s, when shaving once again became de rigeur and it was considered respectable and gentlemanly to shave, the phrase “clean-shaven” took hold.
From National Geographic ● Nov. 7, 2023
“If I might have a word on the matter,” says a gentlemanly voice.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
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.
