Philanderer
/fɪˈlæn.dər.ər/noun
A person, especially a man, who habitually pursues casual or illicit romantic relationships.
Did you know?Philander originally appeared as a male name and literary character before becoming an English verb and noun for someone who pursues amorous relationships.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰil-
“To love or be fond of; a reconstructed root behind Greek terms of affection”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phílos
“Dear, beloved, or loving”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phílandros
“Fond of men; loving or devoted to a man or men”
16th Century
English
Philander
“A male name used in literature, derived from the Greek personal name”
1590s
English
philander
“To pursue amorous relationships or flirt”
1711
English
philanderer
“A person who habitually pursues romantic or sexual partners”
Explore more surprising origins