Boy
/bɔɪ/noun
A male child or young man.
Did you know?Unlike words such as “nightmare” or “disaster,” the history of “boy” does not trace to a clear ancient root, making it one of English’s most stubborn etymological puzzles.
Etymological Timeline
13th Century
Middle English
boy
“a male child, servant, or young man”
13th Century
Middle English
boi / boie
“a boy, servant boy, or low-status young male”
Middle Dutch / Low German
Germanic
boi / boie
“a boy; also used for a servant or young man”
Modern English
English
boy
“a male child or young man”