gallivant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2informal, somewhat humorous or literary
Quick answer
What does “gallivant” mean?
To roam about for pleasure without any clear purpose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To roam about for pleasure without any clear purpose.
To travel or move around in a lively, often frivolous manner, typically in pursuit of entertainment or social engagements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling is consistent; no major differences in meaning. Slightly more common in British English but perfectly understood in American English.
Connotations
In both, it connotes idle pleasure-seeking. Might be seen as a slightly old-fashioned or quaint term.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but perhaps marginally higher in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “gallivant” in a Sentence
Intransitive: S + V (+ around/about + location)S + V + off + (to location)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gallivant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's spent the summer gallivanting around the Greek islands.
- Stop gallivanting about and help with the chores!
American English
- She's been gallivanting across the country in her new camper van.
- Instead of studying, he's off gallivanting with his friends.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjective form. Rare participial use: 'a gallivanting socialite'.)
American English
- (No standard adjective form. Rare participial use: 'his gallivanting days are over'.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Extremely rare, except in historical/literary contexts.
Everyday
Used humorously or lightly to describe someone's social or leisure travels.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gallivant”
- Using it as a transitive verb (*He gallivanted the city).
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
- Spelling as 'galavant' (a common variant, but 'gallivant' is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not strongly negative, but it can imply frivolity or irresponsibility, depending on context. It is often used humorously or lightly.
Yes, you can gallivant around a town or city. It's more about the manner (leisurely, social, purposeless) than the distance.
It is an early 19th-century word, perhaps from 'gallant' in the sense 'to flirt or play the gallant'.
'Galavant' is a common variant, but 'gallivant' is the standard spelling found in most dictionaries.
To roam about for pleasure without any clear purpose.
Gallivant is usually informal, somewhat humorous or literary in register.
Gallivant: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡæl.ɪˈvænt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæl.əˌvænt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gallivanting around”
- “to be off gallivanting”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GALLANT knight who, instead of fighting, just VANTS (wants) to travel for fun = GALLIVANT.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / LEISURE IS AIMLESS MOTION
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes someone who is 'gallivanting'?