old boy

American  

[ohld boi, ohld boi, ohld boi] / ˈoʊld ˈbɔɪ, ˈoʊld ˌbɔɪ, ˌoʊld ˈbɔɪ /

noun

1. Informal. an adult male, especially a Southerner.

2. a lively elderly man.

3. Chiefly British. an alumnus, especially of a boys' preparatory or public school.

4. Chiefly British. old chap.

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old boy British  

noun

1. (sometimes capitals) a male ex-pupil of a school

2. informal

   1. a familiar name used to refer to a man

   2. an old man

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Etymology

Origin of old boy

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

“We started telling each other ‘I love you’ last year,” one old boy says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

At the end of 2023 a three year old boy, Olly Cartmill, became the smallest and one of the youngest, recipients of a kidney transplant.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2025

“I’m glad I made it. The old boy upstairs took care of me,” he said, gesturing skyward.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

One mother of a 5-year old boy in Arcadia who was expelled three times suspects he that has an undiagnosed developmental disability.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2023

Later I would see him at red-egg ceremonies when one-month- old boy babies were given their real names.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan