lad

lad · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A boy or young man.

  2. 2.

    (British, informal) A man, especially one of a group of friends; often used in a friendly address.

  3. 3.

    (British, informal) A man who behaves in a boisterously masculine way.

Forms

plural: lads

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lads' night out — An evening when male friends go out together.
  • •
    jack the lad — (British) A brash, cocky young man.
  • •
    bit of a lad — A man who is seen as daring or promiscuous.

Related words

Antonyms: girl, lass
See also: boy, lads, lass, youth
Synonyms: boy, chap, youngster, youth

Etymology

From Middle English ladde ("foot soldier, young man of lower status"), of uncertain origin. Possibly related to Old Norse or Celtic sources.