What does schoolboy mean?
A schoolboy is a young male student, typically attending a school or educational institution. The term is often used to refer to a boy in a school setting, and can be used to distinguish him from a teacher, educator, or older student. Schoolboys can be found in various types of schools, including public, private, and international schools. The term is commonly used in British and US English, and is a useful word for describing a young male student in a specific educational context. It is also often used in informal settings, such as in conversation or in writing. Overall, the term schoolboy is a straightforward and widely understood term that is essential for describing young male students.
nounA boy who attends school.
- A male student, especially one who is young.
- A boy who attends a particular school or type of school.
"The schoolboy was excited for his first day of high school."
"The schoolboy was struggling with his math homework."
"The private schoolboy was well-dressed and well-behaved."
The plural form schoolboys is used to refer to multiple young male students.
"The schoolboys were playing soccer during recess."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of schoolboy
The word schoolboy has its roots in Old English and Middle English. It is a compound word made up of 'school' and 'boy', with 'school' derived from the Latin 'schola', meaning 'leisure' or 'study', and 'boy' derived from the Old English 'bōia', meaning 'servant' or 'young male'. The term schoolboy has been in use since the 16th century, and has evolved to become a common term for a young male student in a school setting.
How schoolboy is actually used
Often used to refer to a young male student, typically in a school setting. Can be used to distinguish a male student from a female student (schoolgirl).