tomboy

[tom-boi]

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.

tomboy

/ ˈtɒmˌbɔɪ /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• tomboyishly adverb
• tomboyishness noun
• tomboyish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomboy¹

First recorded in 1545–55; Tom + boy

Example Sentences

"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

Her father wanted a more conventionally feminine daughter, while Willis was happier as a tomboy.

From Salon

It made us sissies and tomboys, villains and monsters, tragic victims and sexless bystanders for decades before the relatively recent, hard-won introduction of complex, multilayered queer leads.

From Los Angeles Times

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