What does choirboy mean?
A choirboy is a boy or young male singer who performs in a choir, most commonly in the context of church or cathedral worship. The term is deeply rooted in the British choral tradition, where boys' voices — prized for their bright treble sound — have sung in cathedral choirs for centuries. In modern usage, 'choirboy' also carries a well-established figurative meaning: describing someone as a 'choirboy' suggests innocence, wholesomeness, and blameless conduct, often with a touch of irony. Phrases such as 'no choirboy' imply that a person has a history of trouble or misbehavior. This dual character makes the word useful across registers: reverent when applied to actual liturgical singers, colloquial when used to characterize moral standing. Whether evoking candlelit evensong or a reputation for squeaky-clean behavior, choirboy blends musical heritage with vivid social connotation.
A boy or young male singer in a choir, especially in a church or cathedral choir.
"The cathedral's choirboys rehearsed daily before evensong."
Informally, a person of innocent, wholesome, or angelic character or reputation.
"Everyone assumed he was a total choirboy until the scandal broke."
This sense is typically used ironically or negatively, as in 'he's no choirboy.'
Standard plural; simply add -s.
"The procession was led by a dozen robed choirboys."
In medieval England, choirboys were sometimes paid in ale and bread — and the most talented ones could rise to become royal musicians.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of choirboy
The compound combines 'choir' and 'boy.' 'Choir' derives from the Latin 'chorus,' borrowed into Old French as 'quer' or 'coir' before entering Middle English, while 'boy' comes from Middle English, likely of obscure origin though possibly related to Old French terms for servant or page. The compound arose in English, reflecting the long-standing practice of training boys as trebles in church and cathedral choirs. Its Latin-root relatives include 'chorister,' 'choral,' and 'chorus' itself.
How choirboy is actually used
The figurative sense is informal and often ironic — calling someone 'no choirboy' implies they have a record of mischief or misdeeds. The literal sense carries strong associations with Anglican church music tradition, particularly English cathedral choirs.
Easily confused with choirboy
A chorister is any member of a choir regardless of age or gender, whereas a choirboy specifically denotes a boy or young male singer.