a male child or young man, a male servant, especially one who performs odd jobs in a household

boys will be boys, a boy and his dog, the new boy in town

bad boy, boy next door, old boy

Formal and Informal Expressions of boy

In different contexts, you can replace 'boy' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'male child, young man' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'kid, guy' is a commonplace synonym.

boy: Explore its Definition & Usage

boy Definition

1a male child or young man
2a male servant, especially one who performs odd jobs in a household

Using boy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "boy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The boy is playing with his toy car.
Example
He was a farm boy before he became a famous actor.
Example
The family hired a boy to do the yard work.
Example
He's just a little boy.

boy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for boy

Antonyms for boy

woman
girl

Idioms Using boy

boys will be boys
used to express the view that mischievous or childish behavior is typical of boys or young men and should not cause surprise when it occurs
Example
He broke a window while playing ball, but boys will be boys.
a boy and his dog
a close relationship between a boy and his pet dog
Example
The movie tells the story of a boy and his dog who go on a journey together.
the new boy in town
a newcomer to a place or group
Example
He's the new boy in town, trying to make friends.

Phrases with boy

bad boy
a man who does not conform to approved standards of behavior, especially in a particular sphere of activity
Example
He was known as a bad boy of the art world.
boy next door
a young man who is considered to be wholesome, friendly, and reliable
Example
He's the boy next door type, always willing to help out.
old boy
a former male student of a school, college, or university
Example
He's an old boy of Eton College.

Origins of boy

from Middle English 'boi', of unknown origin

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Summary: boy in Brief

The term 'boy' [bɔɪ] refers to a male child or young man, as well as a male servant. It can be used to describe a person's age or occupation, such as 'He's just a little boy' or 'The family hired a boy to do the yard work.' 'Boy' also appears in phrases like 'bad boy,' denoting nonconformity, and idioms like 'boys will be boys,' suggesting that mischievous behavior is typical of young males.