tomboy

American  

[tom-boi] / ˈtɒmˌbɔɪ /

noun

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

• tomboyish adjective
• tomboyishly adverb
• tomboyishness noun

Etymology

Origin of tomboy

First recorded in 1545–55; Tom + boy

Example Sentences

I became what we used to call a tomboy—a girl who engaged in activities that were traditionally associated with males.

From Literature

“Nature has always been in my bones, in my cells,” Fonda said in a recent interview, describing herself as an environmentalist since her tomboy youth.

From Los Angeles Times

"I thought I was the tomboy, the only girl that played in the football team, then this little upstart popped up," Westbury tells BBC Sport.

From BBC

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

Ever the curious tomboy, I asked, “Is that an old temple?”

From Los Angeles Times