man
man · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
An adult male human.
- 2.
A human being (regardless of sex); a person.
- 3.
Humankind collectively.
- 4.
A husband, boyfriend, or lover.
- 5.
An employee or worker.
- 6.
Provide with personnel to operate.
- 7.
**(informal)** Used for emphasis or to address someone.
Forms
plural: men
Phrases & expressions
- •man to man — Frankly; between equals.
- •man of the house — The male head of household.
- •be one's own man — Be independent.
- •the man in the street — An ordinary person.
- •a man's man — A man who enjoys traditionally masculine activities.
- •to a man — Without exception.
- •man of few words — Someone who doesn't talk much.
Related words
Etymology
From Old English mann ("human being, person, man"), from Proto-Germanic mann-. Originally gender-neutral (meaning "person"), it became primarily masculine over time. Related to German Mann and Dutch man.