pageboy
Americannoun
-
a hairstyle in which the hair is rolled under, usually at shoulder-length.
-
a youth or man who works as a page, as at a hotel.
noun
Etymology
Origin of pageboy
Explanation
Long ago, a pageboy was a knight's assistant. Today, a pageboy is either an employee who runs errands, or it's a bowl-shaped haircut with curled-under ends. The pageboy haircut gets its name from the idea that medieval pageboys may have worn their hair in a similar style, although historians aren't certain about this fact. It first became popular in the early 20th century when many child actors had pageboy haircuts, and it became fashionable again in the 1970s when stars like singer Toni Tennille and skater Dorothy Hamill sported pageboys.
Vocabulary lists containing pageboy
Shear Genius: Hairy Vocabulary
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Fault in Our Stars
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Burning Maze
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
With his blond pageboy haircut, marathon runner’s lean physique and laid-back presence of a California surfer, which he had been since childhood, Mr. Beathard did not fit the archetype of a professional team executive.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 1, 2023
He played Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son, who was known for having a glossy pageboy haircut.
From New York Times ● Jan. 8, 2023
Everything — from the backwards pageboy hat to the baggy black suit and large silver belt buckle — was on point in the re-creation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 6, 2022
Her pageboy haircut is Dorothy Hamill tight and her uniform is a shapeless orange sweater, a pleated or A-line skirt and knee socks.
From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2022
She has dark-blond hair cut in a long pageboy, with bangs falling half into her greenish eyes.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
