gallant
1 of 3adjective
gal·lant 
gə-ˈlant
(usually in sense 2)
ˈga-lənt gə-ˈlant (usually in sense 3)
gə-ˈlänt 1
: showy in dress or bearing : smart
2
a
: splendid, stately
a gallant ship
b
: spirited, brave
gallant efforts against the enemy
c
: nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing
3
: courteously and elaborately attentive especially to ladies
gallantly adverb
gallant
2 of 3noun
gal·lant gə-ˈlant gə-ˈlänt ˈga-lənt
gə-ˈlänt ˈga-lənt 1
: a young man of fashion
2
a
: ladies' man
b
: suitor
c
: paramour
gallant
3 of 3verb
gal·lant gə-ˈlant -ˈlänt
-ˈlänt gallanted; gallanting; gallants
transitive verb
1
: to pay court to (a lady) : attend
used to gallant her in his youth
Washington Irving
Washington Irving2
obsolete : to manipulate (a fan) in a modish manner
intransitive verb
: to pay court to ladies
Synonyms
Adjective
- bold
- brave
- courageous
- dauntless
- doughty
- fearless
- greathearted
- gutsy
- gutty
- heroic
- heroical
- intrepid
- lionhearted
- manful
- stalwart
- stout
- stouthearted
- undauntable
- undaunted
- valiant
- valorous
Noun
- beau
- Beau Brummell
- buck
- dandy
- dude
- fop
- jay
- lounge lizard
- macaroni
- pretty boy
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective The defenders of the fort made a gallant stand. They failed to reach the summit, but they made a gallant attempt. He greeted her with a gallant bow. He offered her his seat in a gallant gesture. Noun he was quite a gallant, primping more than either of his sisters she had a whole host of gallants vying for her hand in marriage See More
Recent Examples on the Web Chip Bell, Forbes, 12 July 2022 The high-flying Avalanche defeated the gallant Lightning, 2-1, in Game 6 of the finals, to capture the Stanley Cup, one of sports’ most elusive and enduring trophies. New York Times, 26 June 2022 With clarity, humor and optimism, the 33-year-old four-time major champion mustered a gallant and full-throated defense of the PGA Tour and the meaning and value of competition. Christine Brennan, USA TODAY, 14 June 2022 Despite a gallant Dallas comeback attempt, Golden State held on for a resounding victory at Chase Center. BostonGlobe.com, 27 May 2022 Emboldened, Fisher this May has had two gallant missives directed at … a couple of gramps at least a decade his senior? Brent Zwerneman, San Antonio Express-News, 24 May 2022 Ruby Nell Sales is a stirring tribute to a long, gallant personal history that continues into the present. New York Times, 31 Mar. 2022 The third week of Russia’s war on Ukraine shows, like its predecessors, gallant resistance, pitiable suffering, and slow Russian progress. Nr Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2022 The tenor Charles Castronovo sang a gallant Rodolfo, the baritone Lucas Meachem a forceful Marcello. New York Times, 10 Jan. 2022 Brad Leithauser, WSJ, 28 May 2021 Face towels often look mighty similar to hand towels, and my finicky skin can't stand taking any chances—which is where my Weezie Makeup Towels provide a gallant save. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2021 My Government will continue to invest in our gallant Armed Forces. Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, 14 Oct. 2019 The 2018 court included promenade girls, gallants, demoiselles, jewel-bearers and the queen. Sue Strachan, NOLA.com, 1 Apr. 2018 Housewives surrendered their gold jewelry in a gallant, but futile attempt to restore the nation’s solvency. Michael Schuman, Bloomberg.com, 29 June 2017 See More
Adjective
Curiosity is fundamentally an optimistic treasure hunt—a gallant search that occurs without proof, guarantee, or map. Chip Bell, Forbes, 12 July 2022 The high-flying Avalanche defeated the gallant Lightning, 2-1, in Game 6 of the finals, to capture the Stanley Cup, one of sports’ most elusive and enduring trophies. New York Times, 26 June 2022 With clarity, humor and optimism, the 33-year-old four-time major champion mustered a gallant and full-throated defense of the PGA Tour and the meaning and value of competition. Christine Brennan, USA TODAY, 14 June 2022 Despite a gallant Dallas comeback attempt, Golden State held on for a resounding victory at Chase Center. BostonGlobe.com, 27 May 2022 Emboldened, Fisher this May has had two gallant missives directed at … a couple of gramps at least a decade his senior? Brent Zwerneman, San Antonio Express-News, 24 May 2022 Ruby Nell Sales is a stirring tribute to a long, gallant personal history that continues into the present. New York Times, 31 Mar. 2022 The third week of Russia’s war on Ukraine shows, like its predecessors, gallant resistance, pitiable suffering, and slow Russian progress. Nr Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2022 The tenor Charles Castronovo sang a gallant Rodolfo, the baritone Lucas Meachem a forceful Marcello. New York Times, 10 Jan. 2022 Noun
As wartime occupations go, this was a gentle—indeed, gallant—affair. Brad Leithauser, WSJ, 28 May 2021 Face towels often look mighty similar to hand towels, and my finicky skin can't stand taking any chances—which is where my Weezie Makeup Towels provide a gallant save. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2021 My Government will continue to invest in our gallant Armed Forces. Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, 14 Oct. 2019 The 2018 court included promenade girls, gallants, demoiselles, jewel-bearers and the queen. Sue Strachan, NOLA.com, 1 Apr. 2018 Housewives surrendered their gold jewelry in a gallant, but futile attempt to restore the nation’s solvency. Michael Schuman, Bloomberg.com, 29 June 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English galaunt, borrowed from Middle French galant, from present participle of galer "to squander in pleasures, have a good time, enjoy oneself," going back to Old French, going back to Gallo-Romance *walāre, derivative of Old Low Franconian *wala "well, with good appearance or effect," going back to Germanic *welō — more at well entry 3
Noun
Middle English galaunt, gallaunt, borrowed from Middle French, noun derivative of galant gallant entry 1
Verb
derivative of gallant entry 1
First Known Use
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1672, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Kids Definition
gallant
adjective
gal·lant ˈga-lənt
1
: showing courage : very brave
a gallant soldier
2
: chivalrous sense 2
a gallant knight
3
gə-ˈlant,
-ˈlänt
: very polite to women He offered her his seat in a gallant gesture.
4
: splendid or stately
a gallant ship
5
: showy in dress or in the way of acting
He was a gallant figure in his uniform.
Biographical Definition
Gallant
biographical name
Gal·lant ga-ˈlant
Mavis 1922–2014 originally Mavis de Trafford Young Canadian-French writer
gallant 1 of 3
adjective
1
as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament a gallant firefighter, rushing into the burning house to save the children a gallant rescue Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- valiant
- brave
- courageous
- heroic
- fearless
- heroical
- valorous
- bold
- manful
- adventurous
- dauntless
- lionhearted
- intrepid
- doughty
- undaunted
- foolish
- stalwart
- resolute
- gutsy
- stout
- stouthearted
- gutty
- impulsive
- daring
- hardy
- reckless
- spirited
- determined
- plucky
- dashing
- game
- venturous
- undauntable
- unswerving
- Spartan
- undismayed
- unflinching
- spunky
- greathearted
- mettlesome
- impetuous
- venturesome
- undeterred
- brazen
- heedless
- audacious
- adventuresome
- gamy
- gritty
- mad
- imprudent
- foolhardy
- daredevil
- lunatic
- madcap
- thoughtless
- gamey
- hotheaded
- headlong
- firm
- brash
- incautious
- rash
- overbold
- wild
- nutty
- hasty
- overconfident
- insane
- comforted
- precipitate
- unafraid
- emboldened
- encouraged
- half-witted
- crazy
- heartened
- reassured
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ungallant
- cowardly
- timorous
- dastardly
- yellow
- coward
- timid
- unheroic
- pusillanimous
- craven
- spiritless
- spineless
- nerveless
- fearful
- gutless
- diffident
- shy
- mousy
- mousey
- chicken
- anxious
- careful
- skittish
- scary
- nervous
- poltroon
- cautious
- fainthearted
- prudent
- apprehensive
- lily-livered
- chickenhearted
- heedful
- uncourageous
- afraid
- frightened
- startled
- milk-livered
- unadventurous
- upset
- weakhearted
- poor-spirited
- chicken-livered
- disturbed
- agitated
- perturbed
- unnerved
- terrified
- unmanly
- weak
- disconcerted
- panicked
- scared
- disquieted
- spooked
- shocked
- horrified
- concerned
- wimpy
- worried
- terrorized
- appalled
- dismayed
- panic-stricken
2
as in noble
having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature a gallant knight the members of that service club are known for their gallant service to the community Synonyms & Similar Words
- noble
- great
- high
- honorable
- chivalrous
- sublime
- magnanimous
- valiant
- big
- lordly
- lofty
- heroic
- high-minded
- venerable
- natural
- worthy
- elevated
- heroical
- regal
- knightly
- ennobled
- greathearted
- princely
- exalted
- magnificent
- inspiring
- glorified
- moving
- uplifting
- majestic
- august
- numinous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ignoble
- wretched
- degenerate
- vile
- low
- sordid
- debased
- contemptible
- degraded
- dastardly
- base
- vicious
- little
- squalid
- ugly
- detestable
- despicable
- abominable
- offensive
- repulsive
- hateful
- dirty
- lousy
- ignominious
- sorry
- narrow
- discreditable
- humiliating
- mean
- degrading
- coarse
- vulgar
- crude
- small-minded
3
as in magnificent
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception a great and gallant sailing ship Synonyms & Similar Words
- magnificent
- glorious
- epic
- majestic
- royal
- regal
- imposing
- grand
- heroic
- proud
- noble
- heroical
- monumental
- massive
- imperial
- impressive
- splendid
- stately
- august
- wonderful
- colossal
- baronial
- operatic
- formidable
- grandiose
- remarkable
- tremendous
- luxurious
- lavish
- princely
- Homeric
- extraordinary
- magnific
- sublime
- marvelous
- gorgeous
- marvellous
- superb
- terrific
- stupendous
- awesome
- kingly
- redoubtable
- extravagant
- prodigious
- queenly
- cosmic
- monstrous
- wondrous
- lordly
- cosmical
- striking
- prepossessing
- resplendent
- sumptuous
- pompous
- awful
- heavenly
- divine
- inflated
- apocalyptic
- celestial
- opulent
- overblown
- sensational
- palatine
- palatial
- apocalyptical
- killer
- splendiferous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- humble
- unheroic
- lowly
- modest
- ordinary
- unimposing
- unimpressive
- unprepossessing
- common
- average
- abject
- mediocre
- sordid
- shabby
- meretricious
- trifling
- petty
- puny
- trivial
- paltry
- mean
- insignificant
- second-rate
- run-of-the-mill
- measly
gallant
2 of 3noun
1
as in beau
a man extremely interested in his clothing and personal appearance he was quite a gallant, primping more than either of his sisters Synonyms & Similar Words
- beau
- dude
- fop
- dandy
- cavalier
- jay
- popinjay
- pretty boy
- macaroni
- coxcomb
- Beau Brummell
- buck
- exquisite
- lounge lizard
- swell
- blade
- fancy Dan
- clotheshorse
- dasher
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- slob
- sloven
2
as in man
a man who courts a woman usually with the goal of marrying her she had a whole host of gallants vying for her hand in marriage Synonyms & Similar Words
- man
- fellow
- swain
- boyfriend
- wooer
- suitor
- lover
- sweetheart
- dear
- beau
- darling
- beloved
- sweetie
- sweet
- admirer
- steady
- old man
- valentine
- date
- crush
- flame
- escort
- spark
- favorite
- significant other
- honey
- love
- squeeze
- intended
- fiancé
- sweetie pie
gallant
3 of 3verb
as in to romance
Synonyms & Similar Words
- romance
- woo
- spark
- court
- escort
- date
- attend
- take out
- go out
- step out
- see
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of gallant are chivalrous, civil, courteous, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.
a gallant suitor of the old school
The words chivalrous and gallant can be used in similar contexts, but chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.
a chivalrous display of duty
While the synonyms civil and gallant are close in meaning, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.
owed the questioner a civil reply
Although the words courteous and gallant have much in common, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.
clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers
The words polite and gallant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.
if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite