BOY


Meaning of BOY in English

/boy/ , n.

1. a male child, from birth to full growth, esp. one less than 18 years of age.

2. a young man who lacks maturity, judgment, etc.

3. Informal. a grown man, esp. when referred to familiarly: He liked to play poker with the boys.

4. a son: Sam's oldest boy is helping him in the business.

5. a male who is from or native to a given place.

6. boys , ( used with a sing. or pl. v. )

a. a range of sizes from 8 to 20 in garments made for boys.

b. a garment in this size range.

c. the department or section of a store where these garments are sold.

7. boys , military personnel, esp. combat soldiers: Support the boys overseas.

8. Disparaging and Offensive. a man considered by the speaker to be inferior in race, nationality, or occupational status.

9. a young male servant; page.

10. Offensive. (in India, China, Japan, etc.) a native male servant, working as a butler, waiter, houseboy, etc.

11. Naut. an apprentice seaman or fisherman.

interj.

12. an exclamation of wonder, approval, etc., or of displeasure or contempt.

[ 1250-1300; ME boy ( e ), perh. after OE Boia man's name; c. Fris boi young man; akin to OE bofa, ON bofi, OHG Buobo man's name (G Bube knave, (dial.) boy, lad) ]

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .