tomboy

American  

[tom-boi] / ˈtɒmˌbɔɪ /

noun

tomboys plural

1. an energetic, sometimes boisterous girl whose behavior and pursuits, especially in games and sports, are considered more typical of boys than of girls.

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tomboy British  

/ ˈtɒmˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a girl who acts or dresses in a boyish way, liking rough outdoor activities

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• tomboyishness
  noun
• tomboyish
  adjective
• tomboyishly
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• tomboys
  plural

Etymology

Origin of tomboy

First recorded in 1545–55; Tom + boy

Explanation

A girl who dresses or acts in a stereotypically boyish way is often called a tomboy. Some famous literary tomboys include Scout from "To Kill a Mockingbird" and Jo from "Little Women." The word tomboy first appeared some time in the 1500s, meaning "wild, romping girl who acts like a boy." In nineteenth century America, being a tomboy was seen by many as extremely healthy for girls who were otherwise not encouraged to exercise outdoors. Wearing less constrictive clothes and actually playing gave tomboys experiences similar to those of boys — at least before they were expected to grow up and be "feminine."

Example Sentences

She is the consummate cool girl: 33 years old, both a total hottie and a total tomboy, unable to do things like make a real meal or read a book.

From New York Times • Feb. 13, 2024

But I always felt a particular closeness to Queen Latifah, maybe because she's from Jersey and I'm from Philly, but also because I was a tomboy when I was young.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2023

Lister, a precocious tomboy who seemingly knows something about everything, and Raine, a half-Indian heiress born out of wedlock, were fellow outcasts who found each other at the Manor School in 1805.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2023

He felt like saying aloud what was going on would lock his whole family into a future—solidify that, no, his kid was not just a tomboy, and this was not just a phase.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2023

The tomboy in the family was growing up.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana