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

See Examples For:

old boy

In 1957, a sixteen-year old boy named John Lennon created a group called the Quarrymen, and later his friend, Paul McCartney joined.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

“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

Such was the opinion of the great Sir Ernest Gowers; and I have to say I find that a comfort, coming from the grand old boy himself.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author