playboy

American  

[pley-boi] / ˈpleɪˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a man who pursues a life of pleasure without responsibility or attachments, especially one who is of comfortable means.

---

playboy British  

/ ˈpleɪˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a man, esp one of private means, who devotes himself to the pleasures of nightclubs, expensive holiday resorts, female company, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of playboy

First recorded in 1620–30; play + boy

Example Sentences

LONDON—In 2001, Prince Andrew retired from active duty in the Royal Navy, with a reputation as a war hero and something of a playboy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Jarvis, the fictional AI from Marvel, was once known for helping billionaire playboy turned superhero Tony Stark save the world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

Not only did its first installments change directors and tones, they even radically changed Hunt’s personality from a loudmouth to a playboy to a devoted husband.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025

"He wasn't your typical British gangster he was more like a playboy, he looked like a rockstar."

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2024

You’re a failure, a playboy, a racetrack tout.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole