Definition

Noun: A boy who sings as a member of a choir, typically in a church or cathedral.

Usage

The word "choirboy" specifically refers to a young male singer in a choir. It is a compound noun formed from "choir" and "boy." It is most commonly associated with traditional church choirs, where boys often sing the soprano or alto parts.

Examples

• He was a choirboy at the local cathedral for five years.
• The choirboy sang the solo with a clear, pure voice.
• In the photograph, the choirboys are wearing white surplices over their robes.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe someone, usually a man, who appears or behaves with an innocent, angelic, or morally upright demeanor, often with an ironic or skeptical tone.
  • Don't be fooled by his polite manners; he's no choirboy.

Variants and Related Words

• Chorister (noun): A more general, formal, or gender-neutral term for a member of a choir, which can include adults and girls. A choirboy is a type of chorister.
• Choirgirl (noun): The female equivalent, a girl who sings in a choir.

Synonyms

• Chorister (specifically a young male one)
• Singer (in a choir)
• Chorale member

Antonyms

• There is no direct antonym, but contextually one might consider a non-singer or a member of the congregation (who listens rather than sings).

Idioms and Phrases

• No choirboy: An idiom used to indicate that someone is not as innocent or well-behaved as they might appear.
  • The politician portrayed himself as a reformer, but his opponents insisted he was no choirboy.

Noun

1. a boy who sings in a choir