good-looker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
IntermediateInformal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “good-looker” mean?
A person who is physically attractive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is physically attractive.
A person, typically a man, considered handsome; the term can sometimes apply to animals or objects of pleasing appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English. In American English, terms like 'handsome', 'attractive', or simply 'good-looking' (as an adjective) are more frequent for the same concept.
Connotations
In British English, it can sound slightly dated or quaint. In American English, it may sound like a Britishism or be used for humorous effect.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but higher in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “good-looker” in a Sentence
He/She is a good-looker.What a good-looker!He's not just intelligent; he's a real good-looker.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “good-looker” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's not just a good-looker; he's good-looking and kind.
- She married a good-looking bloke from Manchester.
American English
- Forget that he's a good-looker; is he good-looking in his professional headshot?
- She's dating a good-looking guy from the finance department.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often light-hearted or observational.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “good-looker”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “good-looker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “good-looker”
- Using it in formal writing. Using it as an adjective (*'He is very good-looker'). The correct adjective is 'good-looking'. Overusing it in American contexts where simpler terms are preferred.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, but it often has a masculine leaning. For women, 'beauty', 'stunner', or 'good-looking woman' is more typical.
'Good-looking' is the standard adjective (e.g., She is good-looking). 'Good-looker' is a less common, informal noun (e.g., She is a good-looker).
It is decidedly informal and colloquial. Avoid it in academic, business, or formal writing.
Yes, the standard dictionary spelling includes the hyphen, though you may occasionally see it as 'good looker' in informal texts.
A person who is physically attractive.
Good-looker: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd ˈlʊk.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd ˈlʊk.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's easy on the eyes (synonymous concept, not idiom with 'good-looker').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone who 'looks good' – they are a 'good-looker'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTIVENESS IS A QUALITY POSSESSED (A 'looker' has/holds attractiveness).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'good-looker' LEAST appropriate?